The NBA bubble is becoming an Instaban.
Prior to the arrival of league sanctioned guests, the NBA will begin requiring players to demonstrate “long-standing relationships” with unfamiliar members, according to a memo obtained by ESPN.
The league and the players have decided to prevent casual acquaintances – “known to the player only through social media or an intermediary” – from joining the Disney-based bubble, which means any sliding into the DMs stops there.
Casual acquaintances “could cause problems for your team, and maybe someone else too,” a GM told ESPN.
Instagram model Anna Mya said she got an invitation to Orlando in early July, though it looks like she won’t be making the cut now.
Also not allowed in the bubble, according to the memo: trainers, physiotherapists or masseurs, personal chefs, hairdressers / clothing stylists, current / potential tattoo artists and business partners and certified agents (other than family members), among others.
Player guests can arrive on August 31, with their tally essentially replacing that of the outgoing teams, with each team having 17 hotel rooms available to guests. Family and friends, up to four adults per player with the exception of children, must be quarantined for seven days, completely off-site, or split between a team’s transfer market and the Disney campus. Guests will not be able to leave campus or go to the theme park.
Before the news broke, Winnie Harlow, the model who is dating Lakers star Kyle Kuzma, posted a video on her Instagram story in which she got a COVID-19 test.
The NBA bubble remained coronavirus-free, with the league announcing Wednesday that it had zero positives in its latest round of testing.
For the most part, the NBA has been able to avoid problems in the bubble – despite Lou Williams’ strip club visit and other minor infractions – and Tuesday’s reminder will help keep the focus on social justice instead of socializing.
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