NBA
Why was Porzingis penalized by the NBA and not Lebron James?
The Dallas Mavericks player was fined fifty thousand dollars for violating COVID-19 protocols set by the NBA at the beginning of the season.
This Tuesday, the NBA announced that it had fined Mavericks player Kristaps Porzingis for violating COVID-19 protocols. ESPN's Tim MacMahon has stated that the Dallas star visited a strip club last Sunday. NBA members are prohibited from attending lounges or bars, eventhough players are vaccinated,
Similar case to LeBron James
The fine imposed on Porzingins raised eyebrows; last week, the NBA decided not to fine LeBron James when he was caught breaking protocols as well. Mike Bass, the NBA spokesperson, told The Athletic's Shams Charania that James was not fined because the circumstances were different.
The comparison, however, was made by many who believe that "King James" often gets preferential treatment from the NBA. For example, fans and experts have claimed that LeBron gets fouls called in his favor or allowed to travel. There's no question that James is the biggest star in the NBA, but how far that gets him special treatment is not clear.
What did Lebron do?
The Ohio native was seen at a promotional event last week in clear violation of NBA covid protocols. "LeBron briefly attended an outdoor event related to an individual commercial activity where everyone was either required to be vaccinated or return a negative COVID test," Bass stated.
Moreover, Bass also mentioned that "The league reviews each potential protocol violation on a case-by-case basis, and determines quarantines and imposes discipline based on the individual facts and circumstances of each matter."
No quarantine needed
According to the NBA, since both players have already been vaccinated, they place no threat to other team members or staff.