NBA Locks Down Their Players with Invasive New COVID Rules

There was a marked difference between the way that sports leagues around the world decided to treat the threat of COVID-19, and the way they planned for things to turn out.

This is to say, there isn’t a team playing in 2020 that was fully satisfied with the results and circumstances of their experience.  Even if they had a hall-of-fame, 30 for 30 sort of season, there will be an enormous asterisk next to it in the record book.  Or, more likely, they’ll look back at all of the positive performances they’ve given us in 2020, and wonder just how spectacular that they would have been in front of a sold-out crowd.

Now, in order to keep ahead of the curve for next season, the NBA is beginning to clamp down on the private lives of their players.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has issued updated coronavirus health and safety guidelines for its teams ahead of the new season later this month, including possible disciplinary actions for players going to bars or attending large gatherings.

According to the 158-page Health and Safety Memo obtained by ESPN, the NBA plans to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the league, including by limiting potential exposure players may have outside of games.

The memo reportedly states that while at home, NBA players and staff are prohibited from going to bars, lounges or clubs, live entertainment or game venues, public gyms, spas, public pools or larger indoor gathering with more than 15 people.

The NBA is also allowing players to leave hotels for dining only if they will be eating outdoors, in private rooms at restaurants or at NBA-approved eateries.

The league has threatened to perform unannounced inspections and oversight of these rules in the coming months, to ensure that their players, and their product, is playing it safe.