NBA tells teams that rules on mask-wearing will get tougher

NBA is adopting a tougher policy regarding masks, telling teams Monday that players on active roster will have to wear face coverings in bench area until y enter games.

That memo, obtained by Associated Press, was released on same day Brooklyn Nets ruled All-Star forward Kevin Durant out for Tuesday’s game against Utah in accordance with league’s health and safety protocols for dealing with coronavirus.

Among new rules, which take effect Tuesday: players who are dressed for games and eligible to participate must wear a face mask until y enter game, all players and coaches must wear face masks when outside team environment if y are around or players and coaches, and players must report names of any private trainer, rapist, chiropractor or or specialist who y work with outside of team facility.

It’s latest update to a plan NBA and National Basketball Players Association are continuing to evaluate, especially lately given continued uptick in cases following holiday season. If players are working with trainers or rapists away from team facility, y’re also being reminded to wear masks and take all possible precautions.

Meanwhile, a person with kwledge of situation said Durant will have to complete a seven-day quarantine, which would also rule him out of three additional games — at home against Philadelphia on Thursday, at Memphis on Friday and home again to play Oklahoma City on Sunday. person spoke to AP on condition of anymity Monday because Nets did t disclose that publicly.

Durant, who had coronavirus in May, tested negative in recent days, person told AP. That would indicate Durant was exposed to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, based on protocols NBA and NBPA are using.

ESPN and Athletic first reported Durant would be entering quarantine and missing games. Durant is averaging 28.2 points over six games for Nets, who are off to a 3-4 start.

Regarding updated mask rules, a player who comes out of a game is t required — but strongly recommended, league said — to put on a mask after returning to bench area. rules reset at halftime; players who aren’t in game to start third quarter need to wear masks until going into game.

Inactive players have been required to wear masks for duration of game, and that rule remains unchanged. Coaches are also mandated to wear masks while on sideline, ar rule that remains in place.

league also told teams Monday it has increased maximum travel party size by one. It’s w 46 people, change being made so teams can add a staffer tasked with handling contact tracing requirements during road trips.

Im credits: AP