Failure to comply with the protocols could result in a warning, fine, suspension or removal from campusNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
The NBA sent a memo to its 22 teams in the Orlando bubble, "reminding them of the importance of carrying out COVID-19 safety protocols, with an emphasis on wearing masks," according to Marc Narducci of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. Yesterday's memo states that "failure or refusal to comply with the protocols could result in a warning, fine, suspension, and/or removal from the campus." Repeat offenders "may be subject to enhanced discipline." The memo "reemphasized the importance" of face coverings and "outlined the times that not wearing a mask was allowable, such as when eating and drinking." The memo also "emphasized two major points -- that eating and drinking while walking through the campus is prohibited, as is using masks with respirator valves" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/3).
MAKING THE MOST OF IT: In DC, Ben Golliver wrote for all the "justified anxiety about the living conditions at Disney World, the sport's biggest names wasted no time making the most of their new situation and brushing off concerns about the quality of play after the long layoff." The lack of fans and quiet arenas are a "dramatic departure from the NBA's norm, but the sport's emotions and passion were as visible as ever" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/2).
WHAT ABOUT LACK OF FANS? In Indianapolis, Michael McCleary notes the Pacers are "already having fun with their virtual fan feature." Fans are picked on a "game-by-game basis through an application" on the team's website. Fans can fill out a form and the Pacers "will pick from a group of fans who fill out the survey" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 8/3). Meanwhile, in Boston, Adam Himmelsbach notes the Celtics "had some star power in their digital cheering section" during yesterday's game against the Trail Blazers. Former NBAer Paul Pierce, G Kemba Walker's mother and F Jayson Tatum's son "could all be seen cheering" on the video board near the team's bench (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/3).
