Malone blasts policy that doesn't permit coaches guests in bubble

Michael Malone didn't hold back when discussing the NBA's policy regarding guests for coaches within the bubble. Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Nuggets' Michael Malone blasts policy that doesn't permit coaches guests in NBA bubble

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/4/20

Following the first round of the NBA playoffs held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex isolated hub due to the coronavirus pandemic, players and referees were permitted guests, such as family members, to join them after quarantine periods and confirmations of negative COVID-19 tests. Coaches, meanwhile, weren't granted the same luxury.

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone didn't hold back when discussing the matter with reporters on Friday:

Michael Malone thinks it’s great that the players and referees are being allowed guests into the bubble at this point. But on day 60 in the bubble, he is furious that coaches are not allowed any guests. pic.twitter.com/TK0ogZWsqq
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) September 4, 2020

Malone said during an emotional soliloquy:

"I say, 'Shame on you, NBA. 'This is crazy. I miss my family. And I think I speak for me, I speak for my coaches, and probably all the coaches down here.

"Sixty days and not having access, and not being granted the privilege to have my family come here to me is criminal in nature. And that shouldn't be. It shouldn't be at all."

Denver completed a comeback down three games to one to topple the Utah Jazz in the opening round of the Western Conference side of the postseason tournament bracket. The Nuggets fell to the Los Angeles Clippers 120-97 on Thursday.

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