Kevin Durant Speaks Out After NBA Flip-Flops On COVID Protocols

Kevin Durant's playing status on Friday was altered numerous times.

BYAlexander ColeFeb 06, 20212.3K Views

Kevin Durant found himself in a bizarre situation on Friday night as the Brooklyn Nets took on the Toronto Raptors. Prior to the game, it was revealed that Durant would not be allowed to play d ue to COVID-19 protocols and contact tracing. Interestingly enough, Durant was eventually allowed back on the court, where he played all the way until the third quarter. That's when Durant was pulled from the game, once again, with COVID-19 protocols as the main reason.

This led to a whole lot of confusion on social media, especially from Durant himself who at one point tweeted "free me." Durant also replied to a confused fan, noting that the league's PR jargon has completely convoluted the entire system when it comes to COVID safety.

https://twitter.com/_/status/1357885018169868288
https://twitter.com/_/status/1357894281277677576

The NBA ended up releasing a statement about Durant's situation in which they said that Durant had tested negative for the virus although had been in contact with someone who had an inconclusive test. Eventually, Durant was allowed to play in the interim but when a second test for Durant's contact came back positive, they immediately took him out of the game.

https://twitter.com/_/status/1357887705233948672

Despite the explanation, the confusion has set a very bad precedent as the NBA should have just sat Durant out of the game from the start. Now, numerous players have been put at risk, all because the NBA couldn't decide what the best course of action was.

As the season goes on, this is something the league will need to fix sooner rather than later.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Comments
Link Copied to Clipboard!

About The Author

Alexander Cole

Alexander Cole is the current Managing Editor of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. During this time, he has shown an expertise in Air Jordans, Yeezys, and all things that have to do with Nike. His favorite kicks are the Air Jordan 1 High OG, the Air Jordan 4, the Air Jordan 6, and the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 in the "Beluga 2.0" colorway. Although his collection might not be the biggest, he is always looking to add new styles to it. When it comes to sports, Alex has a particular interest in the NBA and the NFL. His favorite teams are anywhere LeBron goes, and the Kansas City Chiefs. As a Montrealer, the Montreal Canadiens hold a special place in his heart, even if they haven't won the Stanley Cup in his lifetime. Alex also works for the Concordia Stingers, where he provides play-by-play and color commentary for the football, hockey, and basketball teams His favorite hip-hop artists are Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Lil Uzi Vert.