Utah Jazz Fined $100K for Violating NBA Player Participation Policy

The NBA penalized the Jazz for failing to make All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen available for multiple games, citing a breach of league rules.

The NBA fined the Utah Jazz $100,000 for breaching its player participation policy by not making Lauri Markkanen available for recent games, including a matchup against the Washington Wizards on March 5.
Markkanen, designated as a 'star player' under the policy due to his 2023 All-Star status, has not played since February 22, with the team citing a lower back injury.
The Jazz are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 15-50 record, just ahead of the Washington Wizards, who hold the league's worst record at 13-51.
The NBA's player participation policy aims to ensure that star players are available for games to maintain competitive integrity and fan engagement.
A second violation of the policy could result in a steeper penalty for the Jazz, with fines escalating to $250,000 for subsequent breaches.