The league said Tuesday it had conducted an investigation that included an examination by an independent doctor. The press release states: “The league has determined that the Hawks excluded Young from the game in which he could have played in accordance with the medical standards of the policy.” The organization’s conduct violated the policy prohibiting participation in the should promote the NBA’s regular season.”

Young had played significant minutes for the Hawks, averaging 36.6 minutes per game through the first 11 games of the season, as multiple injuries decimated the team’s roster.

Just four games earlier, he left the Hawks’ home game against the Celtics on Nov. 4, which the team said was ultimately due to a sprained right rib.

When asked about the Achilles tendon injury after missing the game, Young mentioned that the injury had been ongoing since the start of the season. He said on November 15: “Before the last game it felt a bit more uncomfortable. Sometimes I have to hold myself back sometimes. And so I got the advice that I should sit down. And that’s why the guys were with us, and we went (to Boston) and won. The team played great. And yes, it was more of a precautionary measure and I have to play through that. But tonight it wasn’t too crazy.”

According to the NBA’s player participation policy, “teams must ensure star players are available for national television and NBA Cup games.”

Should a star player miss one or more games, the league office will investigate the matter and (if necessary) consult an independent physician to review all available medical information. They also interview key team members and, if necessary, the player, taking into account the circumstances – including the player’s injury history, the team’s schedule, ranking, public comments, attendance at other games.

The League defines a “Star Player” as any player named to the All-NBA Team or All-Star Team in any of the preceding three seasons (and at any time in a season following the All-Star Game, any player who was named to this season’s All-Star team).

Following the league’s decision, the Hawks cannot appeal the decision.