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Citing NYC's COVID Vaccine Mandate, Brooklyn Nets Ban Kyrie Irving From Team
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 12, 2021
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Brooklyn Nets / Facebook
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Oct 12, 2021
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The Brooklyn Nets will ban Kyrie Irving from the team until he is eligible to fully participate under New York's COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, general manager Sean Marks said on Tuesday.
The decision follows days of speculation about the future of the Nets star point guard, who has declined to discuss his vaccination status publicly but is among a group of NBA players under scrutiny. The team's statements have been vague on Irving's status likely because employers are not allowed to directly share medical information--such as vaccination consumption--about individual employees, under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose," the team's statement read. "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."
Under New York City's ordinances, both the Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden require all employees — including players — as well as most fans to show proof of vaccination to enter. The rule does not currently apply to visiting players, a loophole that some state elected officials are pushing to close.
While an unvaccinated player would be eligible to participate in away games, the Nets shut down that possibility on Tuesday, citing the "imperative that we continue to build chemistry as a team and remain true to our long-established values of togetherness and sacrifice."
Irving has missed most team practices and all pre-season games so far. He appeared at the team's outdoor practice at Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturday wearing a mask. The following day, Nets head coach Steve Nash acknowledged that the seven-time all-star would likely miss at least part of the season.
Irving's absence would be among the highest-profile consequences of New York City's vaccine guidelines, which have been shown to widely increase inoculation rates among mandated groups, such as teachers and health care workers.
All other players on the Nets, as well as the entire roster of the Knicks, are reportedly vaccinated.
Irving signed a four-year, $141 million contract with the Nets in 2019, with the goal of bringing the team a championship. He reportedly stands to lose up to $15 million this season if he does not play.
The Nets open their season against the Milwaukee Bucks next Wednesday.
Tagged
COVID-19
kyrie irving
brooklyn nets
barclays center
brooklyn
vaccine mandate
vaccine
nba
Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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