Kyrie Irving has not played since Brooklyn's win over Utah on Jan. 5. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kyrie Irving has been away from the Nets since last week due to “personal reasons,” but now we have a better idea of what is going on.

The point guard has not played since Brooklyn's win over Utah on Jan. 5. Some with the Nets were unsure of why he was away.

Now we know that he was at a party this week (video here ). And on Tuesday night, Irving appeared on a politician’s Zoom call rather than join his Nets in their game against the Denver Nuggets.

This is bad news for Irving and the Nets.

If Irving cares more about politics than fulfilling his contractual obligations to the Nets, he should be up front and tell them that. It’s only fair to the team and league that pays him so well to show them that kind of courtesy. Ditching out on work is unprofessional and shows a lack of commitment.

Irving is likely facing a lengthy absence from the team. Not only does he mentally have to want to play, but he then would face quarantine determinations from the league.

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