Kyrie Irving was not physically present at the pre-season NBA media day Monday at the Nets facilities. However, he answered journalists’ questions through a video conference, during which he refused to reveal whether he had been vaccinated or not.
“Honestly, I’d like these things to stay in the private domain. I’m above all a human. I’d like to manage this the right way with my team moving forward together. I’m not here today, but that doesn’t mean I’ll set limits in the future to join the team.”
Irving may miss the start of the season
“The last thing I wanted was to create more of a distraction,” Irving added, refusing to say whether he would play in the October 24 regular season opener against the Charlotte Hornets.
Last month, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio issued an executive order requiring professional athletes to prove they received at least one dose of the vaccine in order to train or play on their club’s courts.
At age 29, Irving, who averaged 26.9 points, 6 assists and 4.8 rebounds last season, will have to provide proof of vaccination or wait for city regulations to change, to play in front of Nets fans.
50 to 60 players will refuse the vaccine
Last weekend, an investigation by Rolling Stone magazine, citing anonymous sources within the league and the Players’ Association (NBPA) that counts Irving as one of its vice presidents, was set up as 50 to 60 basketball players refusing to participate. The NBA claimed that 90% of the players are.
In this article it is mentioned that the netizen star published a post by an American conspiracy theorist, claiming that “secret societies are growing a vaccine to connect black people to a big computer as part of the devil’s plan.”
In addition to the City of New York, the City of San Francisco (California) also requires that professional athletes provide proof of vaccination to participate in home matches.
Canadian Andrew Wiggins, who plays for the Golden State Warriors and refuses vaccination, requested a religious exemption. Denied by the NBA.
(primary/afp)
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