The NBA is investigating the actions of Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams while he was on an excused absence away from the NBA bubble in Orlando, Fla., according to multiple reports Saturday.
The investigation could mean a longer quarantine period for Williams due to the league’s coronavirus policy. Players must serve a minimum four-day absence if they leave the campus and Williams reportedly could be facing a quarantine of 10 to 14 days, depending on the results of the investigation.
Williams was photographed Thursday night at Magic City gentleman’s club in Atlanta by rapper Jack Harlow. The picture was posted on Instagram by Harlow, who later deleted it. On Friday, Harlow claimed the picture was old.
ESPN reported that NBA security quizzed Williams about his activities and that he did admit going to the club. Williams maintained that no entertainers were present and that he went there for dinner after attending the viewing for the father of a close friend.
On Friday, Williams tweeted about the situation, saying “Ask any of my teammates what’s my favorite restaurant in Atlanta is. Ain’t nobody partying. Chill out lol. #Maskon #inandout.”
Regardless, Clippers coach Doc Rivers was less than thrilled to be asked about the 33-year-old Williams, who is back in Orlando.
“I can’t share much with his journey. I wasn’t on that journey with him,” Rivers said before the Clippers played the Washington Wizards in a scrimmage on Saturday night. “But he’s back here, I can tell you that much. You know, obviously those (pictures) got out, and that’s something that we obviously didn’t enjoy seeing or like.”
ESPN reported that Williams was tested for the coronavirus each day since leaving the NBA bubble. He played in Wednesday’ scrimmage against the Orlando Magic and scored 22 points in the 99-90 victory before departing the bubble.
Center Montrezl Harrell and guard Patrick Beverley also recently left the Clippers to attend to urgent family matters.
Meanwhile, center Ivica Zubac (undisclosed) and guard Landry Shamet (recovered from COVID-19) are rejoining the team. Zubac arrived in Orlando on Saturday, according to reports, and Shamet’s arrival is imminent.
—Field Level Media