Nets, NBA reviewing Kyrie videos, star's return date undetermined

The Brooklyn Nets and the NBA are investigating clips purportedly showing star guard Kyrie Irving attending a recent gathering without a mask.

"We are aware of a video on social media featuring Kyrie Irving at a family gathering," Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement. "We are reviewing the circumstances with both Kyrie and the NBA in order to determine compliance with the health and safety protocols."

Irving, 28, missed the Nets' last three games due to personal reasons, and the team has already ruled him out for Tuesday's contest against the Denver Nuggets.

An exact return date has not been finalized, Marks' statement said. The executive added, "Kyrie will have the opportunity to address his absence when he is ready to do so."

Footage surfaced late Monday appearing to show Irving at a crowded party for his sister, Asia. It's unclear when and where the event took place and how many people were in attendance. None of the guests appeared to be wearing masks.

Houston Rockets star James Harden was fined $50,000, forced to quarantine for four days, and required to return consecutive COVID-19 negative test results after being spotted partying in Las Vegas and Atlanta while his team was opening training camp.

However, Harden wasn't suspended, with commissioner Adam Silver saying he showed leniency because it was Christmas and it was the eight-time All-Star's first offense. Silver also said the $50,000 fine was the maximum punishment permitted under the collective bargaining agreement.

The NBA's protocols for the 2020-21 season state that players are "prohibited from going to bars, lounges, or clubs, from attending live entertainment or sports events, from using gyms, spas, or pools, or from participating in social gatherings with more than 15 people."

Irving is averaging 27.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 42.6% from three over seven games. The Nets have gone 2-2 without him this season.