New York (AFP)
Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving won't be allowed to play or even train until he's vaccinated against Covid, NBA franchise management announced Tuesday.
"Due to the development of the situation and after reflection, we have decided that Kyrie Irving will not play or train with the team until he is eligible to be available at all matches," Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement.
To fight the pandemic, New York has implemented new health safety protocols that do not allow unvaccinated adults to take part in training or matches.
One week before the start of the NBA season, which opens with a clash between the Milwaukee Bucks, defending champions, and his franchise of the Nets, the 29-year-old leader could not therefore play in the home matches, or 41 games. regular season, to which should be added those of possible play-offs.
He would also be deprived of games against neighboring New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors, since the city of San Francisco requires anyone over 12 to be vaccinated in order to participate in high-traffic indoor events.
“We will not allow any member of our team to be only partially available,” adds Sean Marks. . "
The decision of the general manager of the Nets comes as New York City Hall decided on Friday 9 to allow Irving to train at the franchise's facilities.
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