As the new NBA season kicks off in the United States on Tuesday, League boss Adam Silver praised the high rate of players having received their dose of the Covid vaccine.
"About 96% of our players are vaccinated and this number is expected to increase further once the season begins," he told reporters.
Despite everything, this debate around vaccination has led to a conflict between the league and some players on the sidelines of the NBA resumption, going as far as the sidelining of Brooklyn star Kyrie Irving because of his refusal. to get vaccinated.
Silver wanted to make vaccination compulsory
"I hope Kyrie, despite his opinions on the vaccine, decides to get the shot, because I would really like to see him play basketball this season, and I would like the Brooklyn Nets to have all of their players on the floors." , responded Silver. Forcing players to inject the vaccine, the league has strongly thought about it. But it was met with the categorical refusal of the players' union (NBPA), of which Irving is one of the vice-presidents.
She then put in place health protocols for the coming season, very restrictive for unvaccinated players, which range from daily tests to meals alone, through the possibilities of outings and very limited interactions with the outside world.
“I would have preferred the players union to approve the vaccine requirement,” said Silver.
It would have been better for everyone to have every player vaccinated.
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