Three NBA Teams Fined Over Texas Freshman Kevin Durant

Rule Number One in the NBA: Do not talk about Kevin Durant.
Rule Number Two in the NBA: Do not talk about Kevin Durant.

Seems pretty simple, but apparently not, During the past week, three NBA clubs have been fined for that very thing.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for the Charlotte Bobcats confirmed that part-owner Michael Jordan had been fined $15,000 by the NBA for discussing University of Texas freshman Kevin Durant during an interview. Although it is assumed Durant - ESPN's national player of the year and first-team All America - will declare himself eligible for the draft, it is against NBA rules for team coaches and executives to discuss a college underclassman who has not yet made that declaration.

According to the Charlotte Observer, Jordan was talking about his interest in versatile players and mentioned, "The kid who may present that is the kid in Texas. (He) may have that because he has all the right signs."

Jordan, however, isn't the only one doing any talking. The Golden State Warriors were also given a $15,000 fine, because of comments made by Don Nelson. Nelson commented publicly about Kevin Durant, as well as Ohio State freshman Greg Oden. Should either player declare himself eligible for the draft, it is assumed the two would be the first two picks.

In addition to the Bobcats and Warriors, the Boston Celtics were also fined, although their penalty was twice that faced by the other clubs. Last week, Danny Ainge, the executive director of the Celtics was seen at the Big 12 basketball tournament, sitting next to and chatting with Durant's family.

Although Ainge said he only exchanged pleasantries during his conversation, the NBA said that was no excuse.

Rich Buchanan, the lawyer who wrote a memo to NBA teams reminding them of the need to stay away from players to are not currently eligible for the draft, said the easiest thing to do to not get into trouble is to just stay away.

"The prohibition against indirect contact includes, among other things, communications with a player's family members, representatives, or friends, and extends to any public comments made by team personnel regarding a player."

Look, but don't touch, in other words.

Sources:

abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory
www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006775964