Rockets: 4 questions regarding Sterling Brown’s horrific assault

4. Was Brown in violation of the league’s COVID protocol?

Prior to the 2020-21 season, the NBA put specific COVID rules in place, as NBA commissioner Adam Silver sought to configure a way in which the season could go on without the players being away from their families. The league was forced to resume play in the bubble in order to complete the 2019-20 season, which included daily rigorous testing and strict guidelines.

The restricted setting became taxing and grueling on the players, as they were unable to be around friends and families for the bulk of the league’s resumption in Orlando. Silver’s 2020-21 COVID protocol restricted players from entering bars, clubs, live entertainment venues, public gyms, spas or indoor gatherings of 15 or more people.

Brown’s incident allegedly took place at the Booby Trap on the River strip club in Miami, which would seem to be against the league’s coronavirus protocol. Shortly after the press release of Brown’s attack, the league released a statement in which they made it clear that they were gathering facts and looking into the incident.

If Brown is determined to have been in violation, he could be eligible for disciplinary action, as the league has been adamant about it’s health and safety protocols. This has especially been the case this season as it pertains to COVID-19.

Houston Rockets fans know all too well about Silver’s enforcement of the league’s COVID protocol, as the team ran into an issue earlier in the season, when James Harden violated the anti-club stance, after videos surfaced on social media showing Harden at a party, which he later admitted to attending.

Silver gave Harden a warning, although he admitted that he could have been much harsher on punishing Harden, stating that he wanted Harden to enjoy his Christmas. Brown’s situation is much different, but part of what the league will surely want to determine is whether he was in violation of the COVID protocol.

Next: No. 3