Rockets star James Harden 'is under investigation for maskless strip club appearance in violation of NBA protocol and could miss opener' - but he says it was a party for his 'homegirl'
The NBA and the Houston Rockets are reportedly examining video of James Harden apparently partying maskless at a club to see if the disgruntled All-Star violated the league's COVID-19 protocols.
The video, published by Black Sports Online, allegedly originated at a Christmas party this week at a club in Houston. BSO and ESPN both initially reported that the venue was a strip club, which Harden disputed on Instagram.
'One thing after another,' Harden wrote. 'I went to show love to my homegirl at her event (not a strip club). Because she is becoming a boss, and putting her people in positions of success, and now it’s a problem.
'Every day it’s something different,' he continued. 'No matter how many times people try to drag my name under, you can’t. The real always end on top.'
Within hours of posting the statement on his Instagram stories, Harden removed the message without an explanation. He has not named the friend who hosted the event.
The NBA and the Rockets are reportedly examining video of James Harden partying maskless at a strip club to see if the disgruntled All-Star violated the league's COVID-19 protocols. The video, published by Black Sports Online, allegedly originated at a Christmas party this week at a club in Houston. BSO and ESPN both reported that the venue was a strip club, which Harden disputed on Instagram, while seemingly confirming that it was a recent event
Within hours of posting the statement on his Instagram stories, Harden removed the message without an explanation. He has not named the friend who hosted the event
The video does show a maskless Harden in what appears to be a club holding up a suitcase. Other portions of the video do appear to be at a strip club, but it's difficult to tell if the footage comes from the same event.
The Rockets and NBA were working to verify that it is a recent video, although Harden appeared to acknowledge as much in his social media post.
An NBA spokesperson did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for confirmation.
Harden's availability for the Rockets' Wednesday night season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder is now reportedly in question. The NBA's COVID-19 protocol prohibits players from going to bars, lounges or nightclubs and from participating in social gatherings of more than 15 people.
Furthermore, The Athletic's Shams Charania is reporting that several other Rockets players, including John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, will be forced to miss Wednesday's opener in Houston because of contact tracing. Cousins is also battling an injury.
According to an ESPN report, Harden's Rockets teammates may be forced to sit out because of close contact with rookie KJ Martin, who is now self isolating. Martin is the son of former New Jersey Nets star Kenyon Martin. Rookie Jae'Sean Tate was also sent home due to contact tracing, according to ESPN.
Harden's season has yet to start, but he is reportedly already seeking a trade from Houston
An eight-time All-Star and the league's three-time defending scoring champion, Harden has been a constant fixture in the news cycle for weeks over his stated desire to be traded to a contender.
The 31-year-old guard reported a week late to training camp and only played in two of Houston's four preseason games.
The Athletic reported Tuesday that Harden had been involved in several verbal confrontations with teammates in practice, even throwing a basketball at one player.
In 11 NBA seasons, Harden has averaged 25.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 833 career games. He spent his first three seasons with the Thunder, after becoming the No. 3 overall selection in the 2009 draft.
Harden averaged 34.3 points with 6.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists over 68 games last season.
