The Brooklyn Nets confirmed that All-Star guard Kyrie Irving will not be permitted to play or practice with the team until such time as he complies with the local COVID-19 vaccination mandate enforced by New York City. Previously, the unvaccinated player was still permitted to play away games.
According to the New York City mandate, all professional athletes are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to practice or play in public venues within the city limits. The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, falls under the jurisdiction of this rule.
General Manager Sean Marks released the following statement on the matter: “Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant. 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.”
While Irving did participate in an outdoor practice with the Nets on Saturday, he was unable to appear in the team’s exhibition game against Philadelphia on Monday.
