NBA players will have until June 24th to notify teams if they choose to opt out of attending the resumed NBA season at Disney World, according to a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Shams also reports that players will be able to miss games without a salary reduction if they are classified as “Protected” or “Excused” players.
Sources: NBA players have been notified: "Any player who exercises this right will not be disciplined." https://t.co/016UlUWYdE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
Sources: Two categories of non-participating NBA players who will not have their salary reduced: “Protected Players” and “Excused Players,” whom are believed to be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 from team/experts. June 25 deadline for excused absence.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
Shams also reported on the requirements for players to comply with the rules of the so-called “bubble”.
Sources: NBA players have been informed that anyone who leaves the Orlando campus (without prior approval) will be subject to:
– 10-14 day self-quarantine
– Reduction in compensation for games missed
– Enhanced testing (deep nasal swab)— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
***
In other NBA news, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Black Players Coalition being led by Kyrie Irving and Avery Bradley is waiting for more information from the league and from owners regarding their plan for Orlando. A significant number of players have expressed concerns that Orlando will distract from current protests and the movement for racial justice. The group has suggested the players may skip Orlando if they feel like the league is not taking serious enough action.
Avery Bradley: “Regardless of how much media coverage will be received, talking and raising awareness about social injustice isn’t enough. Protesting during an anthem, wearing T-shirts is great, but we need to see real actions…” https://t.co/C0bH2FJtyu
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2020
Bradley and the players' coalition described several priorities to ESPN, including improved hiring practices for black front office and head coaching candidates, donations to organizations serving black communities and partnerships with black-owned businesses and arena vendors. https://t.co/C0bH2FJtyu
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2020
***
Given the number of concerns at play, both related to health concerns and the importance of Black Lives Matter protests, it could get very interesting if a significant number of players feel the league has failed to properly address one or both concerns.
Thanks for the update, Greg.
I feel the weight of the current situation. I understand the concerns. I’m going to listen and learn, and continue to ask the universe for the Best Possible Outcome in the Gentlest Possible Way.
So if they opt out now, no penalty. If, however, cases continue to double in Florida every week or so the players decide to skip for their own well being come mid-July, they get penalized? SMH.
Sounds like traveling back in time and having the choice to get on the Titanic or not.
Badge Legend