The Atlanta Hawks have been fined $100,000 by the NBA for violating the league’s player participation rules. The league issued the fine after finding that the Hawks held star guard Trae Young out of the team’s first NBA Bowl game despite him being healthy enough to play.
Young missed Atlanta’s NBA Cup game against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 12 with what the team correctly cited Achilles tendonitis. The Hawks beat the Celtics 117-116 at Boston’s TD Garden without Young.
According to a league statement, an NBA investigation determined that Young was able to play within the medical standard. The league’s investigation included consultation with an independent physician, according to the statement.
Atlanta is 7-11 so far this year. Young once again leads the team in points and assists this season, currently averaging 21.9 points and 11.9 assists per game.
Since implementing the policy in 2023, the NBA has cracked down on participation with the intention of ensuring that healthy stars participate fully during the regular season. In October, the league fined the Philadelphia 76ers $100,000 after star center Joel Embiid missed the season opener.