ESPN's Stephen A. Smith went on another glorious rant, this time noting NBA players will leave the Walt Disney World bubble to get some action. Yes, that kind of action.
The longtime TV personality argued on Tuesday's âFirst Takeâ that NBA players might not be able to last three weeks, let alone three months, without some ârecreational activities.â
âDo we really think the ârecreational activities' that these guys are accustomed to are going to be compromised for three months? I mean, somebody's gotta say it,â said Smith. âYou really, really think somebody's gonna be without their wives or their woman? The guys that are married without their wives, the guys that ain't married without their woman. You really, really think they're honoring a bubble for three months?â
Under the NBA's new protocols for safety, players won't be allowed to bring a plus-one until after the first round, something several teams â including the Los Angeles Clippers â arduously fought against.
Realistically speaking, NBA players won't be without their significant others or their ârecreational activitiesâ for more than six weeks, whether it is in Orlando or back home when they return after being eliminated.
The NBA prompted this protocol as a way to keep risks to a minimum and keep the bubble from flooding with plenty of bodies to house within the realms of Disney World.
While six weeks is still a significant sacrifice, the NBPA was made aware the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season (and the rest of their paychecks) wouldn't be possible unless they agreed to a compromise. This period of bedroom inactivity is one of the things they'll be forced to give up in order to hold onto their money.
The NBA season is currently slated to resume on July 30, with the NBA Finals going no later than Oct. 13.