The NBA has fined the Atlanta Hawks $154,000 AUD after determining that Trae Young was improperly held out of an NBA Cup game against the Boston Celtics.
Young was listed on the injury report that night as sidelined due to tendinitis in his right Achilles, yet the Hawks managed to secure a narrow 117-116 victory in his absence.
The league’s investigation found the Hawks violated the player participation policy, which mandates that “star players” must participate in all national television and NBA in-season tournament games unless a valid medical reason is provided. Trae Young qualifies as a star player, having been an All-Star last season.
“Following an investigation, including review by an independent physician, the NBA determined that the Hawks held Young out of a game that he could have played in under the medical standard in the policy,” the league said in a statement. “The organization’s conduct violated the policy, which is intended to promote participation in the NBA’s regular season.”
The game against the Celtics marks the only game Young has missed so far this season.
In a separate disciplinary action, Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown was fined $54,000 AUD for “aggressively pursuing a game official during live play.” Brown charged toward referee Scott Twardoski during the second quarter of Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, frustrated by a non-call.
