Kyrie Irving: NBA star latest to withdraw vaccination status

by



[ad_1]

Speaking during the league’s media day, Irving declined to disclose his vaccination status, saying he “would like to keep everything private.” “

Earlier this month, the NBA warned that vaccination warrants set by New York and San Francisco could bar Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors players from participating in home games this season. ‘they are not vaccinated or exempt.

Players from visiting teams participating in city arenas are not included in local government vaccination mandates.

Irving, who was not physically present at the Nets Media Day due to Covid-19 protocols, attended the event via Zoom.
Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving (center) may not be able to play in front of NBA fans in New York this season, following new vaccination warrants that could prevent players from participating in games at home if they are not vaccinated or exempt.

“I know I’ll be there everyday no matter what and just be there for my teammates as one of the team leaders,” Irving said.

“I know the focus needs to be at an all-time high, no distractions. This is the last thing I wanted to create, it was more distractions and more fuss and more drama around it.

“I’m doing my best to keep this going with good intentions and a good heart.”

The news comes as basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar told Rolling Stone that if NBA players and staff are not vaccinated, they should be taken off the squad.

Abdul-Jabbar, who has been a supporter of the vaccine, later told CNN’s Don Lemon: “I don’t think they behave like good teammates or good citizens.”

“It is a war that we are involved and masks and vaccines -. They are the weapons we use to fight this war, ”he added.

Vaccination hesitation in some players

Washington Wizards goaltender Bradley Beal told reporters on Monday he won't
About 90% of NBA players are vaccinated according to ESPN.

However, Irving is one of many NBA players who have either declined or indicated they are reluctant to get the vaccine.

“I believe it’s your God-given right to decide if taking the vaccine is right for you!” Period ! Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac tweeted of his account verified on Sunday.

Isaac clarified his remarks Monday at a press conference, saying, “I am not anti-vax. I am not anti-drug. I am not anti-science. I did not reach my vaccination status. current by studying Black History or watching Donald Trump press conferences.

“I have the utmost respect for all of the healthcare workers and no one in Orlando and the entire board who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe. “

Washington Wizards goaltender Bradley Beal, who was unable to compete in the Tokyo Olympics after being placed in USA Basketball’s health and safety protocols, said he “didn’t feel any pressure” to get vaccinated, ESPN also reported.

Following the NBA warning, CNN has learned that the Knicks have fully vaccinated all of their players, while the Nets and Warriors have yet to do so, or get exemptions.

The NBA has rejected Golden State Warriors star Andrew Wiggins’ request to be exempted from the vaccine on religious grounds, rendering him ineligible to play at home until he meets San’s vaccination requirement. Francisco, the league announced on Friday.

The lack of vaccination by some NBA players reflects a nationwide trend in the United States, where the daily rate of new Covid-19 vaccinations is the lowest since mid-January, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have started to track the data.

The seven-day average rate of people getting vaccinated for the first time is 31% lower than last week and almost 50% lower than a month earlier, with 55% of the total US population fully vaccinated.

With the NBA season this year due to start on October 19, questions remain as to whether players across the league will change their position, or instead Forgo the competition.



[ad_2]

Source link