By Noah Hickman
On May 22, ESPN reported that Lebron James allegedly violated the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols by attending an outdoor promotional event for a tequila brand.
Notable people who attended the event include recording artist Drake and actor Michael B. Jordan.
A league spokesman told ESPN that Lebron had violated the health and safety protocols.
"It's a violation of the agreed upon protocols, and, as we have in other comparable instances around the league, it has been addressed with the team."
The point of interest is the fact that Lebron did not have any consequences thrown his way, not even a small fine.
Dallas Mavericks power forward Kristaps Porzingis, on the other hand, was fined $50,000 for attending a strip club despite him being fully vaccinated.
Many, including me, immediately started barking at the moon and shouting 'double standard.'
The NBA responded and said that there was a different set of facts when it comes to Lebron and Porzingis, respectively.
"To clarify any remaining misconception, LeBron James briefly attended an outdoor event last week where participants were required to be vaccinated or return a negative test result," the NBA said. "Under these circumstances and in consultation with medical experts, it was determined that his attendance did not create risks related to the spread of COVID-19 and therefore no quarantine was necessary."
So, you have a spokesperson who said Lebron violated COVID-19 health and safety protocols but the NBA decided not to punish him in any way because they apparently were making a judgement call.
Porzingis definitely violated the NBA's health and safety protocols by attending a strip club, an indoor event since the protocols prohibits players from visiting bars, clubs and lounges.
Is it a double standard though?
What I find confusing is that many reporters (i.e.) are saying that the NBA did not indicate whether Lebron was fully vaccinated despite the NBA's statement saying "LeBron James briefly attended an outdoor event last week where participants were required to be vaccinated or return a negative test result."
Regardless, something seems to be terribly off whether that be the NBA protecting Lebron the legend or 'jump the gun' reporting.
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