By The Daily Caller (Opinion) | Created at 2025-03-13 03:56:36 | Updated at 2025-03-13 09:36:38
6 hours ago
The NBA means business!
Adam Silver & Co. are putting on the full court press to make sure athletes and franchises are committed to competing in their entire 82-game schedule. The league’s crackdown specifically focuses on star players who are resting for no legitimate reason.
Well, the league is now enforcing their rules hardcore, knocking the Utah Jazz with a $100,000 fine after they rested their forward Lauri Markkanen in a Mar. 5 game taking on the Washington Wizards. (RELATED: Stephen A. Smith Blasts ‘Weak’ LeBron James In New Development That Will Only Make This Saga Better)
Since Feb. 22, Markkanen hasn’t suited up for Utah, with the franchise using the excuse of back problems for why he hasn’t played. The NBA launched an investigation into why he missed the game against the Wizards and came to the conclusion that the Jazz kept him out unnecessarily, this after evidence suggested he was healthy and able to compete.
A statement was released by the NBA on the matter.
“The NBA announced today that the Utah Jazz organization has been fined $100,000 for violating the league’s Player Participation Policy. … The Policy, which was adopted prior to the 2023-24 season, is intended to promote participation in the NBA’s regular season.”
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/3ZWfcek7lT
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 12, 2025
The way I see it, it’s not the load management that’s bothering the league, it’s load management being linked to declining television ratings and ticket sales.
The NBA is trying to switch that up as quickly as possible, and as you see, they’re being very aggressive about it.
