Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving “will not play or practice with the team” until he is eligible due to his vaccination status, the team announced on Tuesday.
New York City implemented a COVID-19 vaccine mandate on August 17, requiring people 12 and older to prevent proof of vaccination for indoor dining and to participate in indoor fitness and entertainment activities. This includes the Barclays Center, which serves as the Nets’ home court.
General Manager Sean Marks said in a statement that the decision to sideline Irving was made “after thorough deliberation.”
“Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose. Currently, the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability,” Marks explained.
“Our championship goals for the season have not changed, and to achieve these goals each member of our organization must pull in the same direction,” he added.
Irving has not officially commented on the matter. Last month, the seven-time All-Star declined to discuss his vaccination status, saying he preferred to “keep all that private.”
The 2021-2022 NBA season begins on October 19, with the Nets facing the Milwaukee Bucks.
In other news, the NBA’s 75th-anniversary commercial featured 34 former and current icons.
