Brooklyn Nets Point Guard Kyrie Irving is one of a few high-profile NBA players that is reportedly not vaccinated agaisnt COVID-19. As a result, Irving runs the risk of not playing in any home games during the 2021-2022 NBA season due to New York’s COVID-9 protocols. Now, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio is asking Irving to receive a vaccine.
“I’m a fan of the Nets. I live in Brooklyn. I’m a fan of Kyrie. I would just appeal to him, get vaccinated,” de Blasio said when asked about Irving’s vaccination status during a recent interview on CNN.
“Your fans want to see you. We all want you back. Your teammates want you back. Look, there are teams now that are 100 percent vaccinated. That’s a great example to everyone else.”
Irving is currently practicing with the Nets in California. He will also be able to join his team during their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 3. However, current New York guidelines require “proof of at least one dose of vaccination for all workers and individuals in indoor entertainment and performing arts venues.” Therefore, he would miss the team’s preseason games against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks. More importantly, he would not be able to play at the Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden this season.
At this time, Irving has not denied speculation that he is unvaccinated. Adding on, he has not indicated when or if he plans to get vaccinated.
The mayor of New York City is urging Nets ? Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated before the NBA season starts ? https://t.co/ZFtZi8yR8j pic.twitter.com/1581K2hNWh
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 30, 2021
