NBA says it treated LeBron's health violation similarly to others
The NBA clarified Monday that it handled LeBron James' health and safety protocol violation last week as it did similar situations this year.
"Over the course of this season, there have been numerous similar violations of the league's health and safety protocols, which were addressed with the player's team in a similar fashion," NBA chief communications officer Mike Bass wrote in a statement.
The NBA said James' violation didn't pose a risk for the spread of COVID-19, as attendees at the event - a promotional shoot for a tequila company the four-time MVP is invested in - were required to be vaccinated or show proof of a negative coronavirus test.
"Under these circumstances and in consultation with medical experts, it was determined that (James') attendance did not create risks related to the spread of COVID-19 and therefore no quarantine was necessary," the league said.
The Los Angeles Lakers star hasn't confirmed whether he's vaccinated. When asked Friday, he said that making the information public was "not a big deal," according to Lakers Nation's Ryan Ward.
James didn't directly answer questions about last week's protocol violation following Sunday's Game 1 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
LeBron on his reaction to violating NBA's healthy and safety protocols: "I'll be ready for Game 2."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) May 23, 2021
The NBA confirmed in Monday's statement that players are allowed to participate in "individual commercial arrangements, such as sponsor appearances or ad shoots" if they're fully vaccinated.