The NBA slapped the Brooklyn Nets with a massive fine for violating New York City mandates and the league's health and safety protocols during Sunday's game against the New York Knicks. Apparently, the team let Kyrie Irving in the locker room, which should not have happened.

Due to the violation, the Nets have been fined $50,000, per NBA Communications.

For those not in the know, Kyrie Irving attended Sunday's game at Barclays Center, albeit as an audience. He is still not allowed to play in home games due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the private sector, even though unvaccinated fans are now allowed to watch the games–hence, his attendance as part of the crowd.

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Of course since he was there as an audience and not part of the team, he isn't allowed to join his teammates in the locker room.

For what it's worth, Irving's situation–being able to watch the games live but unable to play–has drawn a lot of criticisms from fans and players alike. For one, both Nets star Kevin Durant and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James have expressed their confusion about the mandate and emphasized how ridiculous it is. After all, why can Kyrie watch the game in the arena and interact with his teammates on the court and not be able to play?

But then again, the rules are mandate not with Kyrie or basketball in mind but for the general private sector.

Hopefully, though, there will be changes in the mandate that could allow Kyrie to play since the Nets really need him if they are to compete for the title.