Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant has been officially pulled out of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors due to health and safety protocols, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Nets‘ Kevin Durant is out for the remainder of the Raptors game due to health and safety protocols.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2021
Durant was initially removed from the Nets' starting lineup because of COVID-19 protocols, with reports stating he needed to undergo contract tracing. However, late in the first quarter of the game, he returned and checked in.
Surprisingly and confusingly, after playing 19 minutes, he was ruled out for the rest of the showdown. The Nets forward recorded eight points, six rebounds and five assists before exiting the contest.
Malika Andrews of ESPN said it was “the direction of the league” that forced Durant to leave the game.
The COVID protocols continue to surprise many people, as Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valuncianas was forced to leave in the middle of the game earlier this year due to protocols and issues with contact tracing.
The decision on Kevin Durant left several fans baffled, however, with many asking why he was still allowed to play for the Nets despite the uncertainty regarding his situation.
Sure enough, the NBA will have a lot of questions to answer about it. It is also not a good look for the league, especially since they are pioneering for the players to participate in an All-Star game in March.
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