The Friday before All-Star weekend is usually reserved for the Rising Stars game and numerous media events. All players selected to play in the All-Star Game and participate in the other events during the weekend are required to speak to the media.
Some of you may remember Kobe Bryant missing his designated media slot this season after reports that he was sick. Now, it’s being reported that the NBA has fined Bryant $40,000 for missing the press conference.
The NBA has fined Kobe Bryant $40,000 for missing media day at All-Star Weekend. “Guess you can’t be sick,” Bryant said when told the news.
— Elliott Teaford (@ElliottTeaford) March 7, 2012
At the time of the missed press conference, there was speculation that Bryant simply skipped the session to avoid having to answer questions surrounding Pau Gasol and the rest of the Lakers.