James Harden fined $50,000 for violating NBA’s health, safety rules
For a second time since the start of training camp for the 2020-21 season, Houston Rockets star James Harden was found to have violated the league’s new COVID-19 safety protocols. In both circumstances, videos posted to social media showed Harden at indoor club venues in close proximity to a crowd of people, and without wearing a mask.
While ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported Wednesday that Harden had already contracted COVID-19 in the summer, he’s still required by the league to follow protocols, as a means of limiting potential spread. For the latest violation, Harden was fined $50,000 by the league. The protocols “prohibit attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs, or similar establishments.”
“Harden violated these rules when he attended a private indoor party on Monday, Dec. 21,” the NBA said in its announcement.
James Harden receiving Christmas gifts in the club in Houston pic.twitter.com/FljAYuWLeh
— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2BIog) December 22, 2020
Harden was not suspended as part of the discipline. So far, he has yet to miss any games, since Houston’s regular-season opener — originally scheduled for Wednesday night — was postponed due to a number of issues related to COVID-19, most separate from Harden’s situation.
However, the league may still force Harden to miss games, depending on the number of days that they require him to continually test negative before rejoining his teammates in group settings. As of Wednesday night, Marc Stein of The New York Times reported that Harden’s specific timeline was still to be determined. In the case of rule violators, the league has reserved the ability to implement unique requirements.
No suspension for Harden
I'm told the timeline for him to rejoin the Rockets, in terms of how many more negative coronavirus tests he may have to register, is still TBD@ramonashelburne reported earlier today that Harden registered negative tests Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 24, 2020
When Harden initially violated protocols early in training camp, the NBA required him to test negative on six consecutive days following his violations. If Houston’s next game, which is currently set for Saturday night in Portland, goes off as scheduled, that would be only five days after Harden’s violation, according to the announcement.
Whether that game goes forward, of course, depends on test results for the rest of the team over the coming days. Stay tuned.
