Editor’s note: With overwhelming consistency, research has shown vaccinations against COVID-19 are safe and effective. Residents of Canada who are looking to learn more about vaccines, or the country’s pandemic response, can find up-to-date information on Canada’s public health website.
There is renewed optimism that unvaccinated superstar Kyrie Irving could return to the Brooklyn Nets‘ lineup, according to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania.
Whether or not Irving’s return means he would get vaccinated against COVID-19 to meet New York’s vaccination requirements or if the Nets would allow him to play on the road and practise with the team is unclear at this time.
Charania reports that Nets players and staff want Irving to rejoin the team “as soon as possible,” and that he and co-star Kevin Durant have been increasingly communicating about “his fit on the team, breaking down the games, and about life in general.” Charania adds that the two superstars appear to have an increased level of enthusiasm.
On Oct. 12, the Nets announced that Irving would not play or practise with them until he could be a full participant, ending the idea that he would play in only road games.
According to Charania’s report, multiple current and incoming New York City Hall officials said there are no plans to lift the requirement of a mandatory one shot to enter the Barclays Center.
New York City is also supposed to implement a vaccine mandate requiring all private sector individuals to have two doses on Dec. 27.
Irving has yet to play a game this season. Charania says several teams have approached the Nets to inquire about his availability in a trade, but Brooklyn has not engaged.
Charania also reported on Oct. 12 that Irving did not plan on receiving the vaccine with the main reason being that he “is upset that people are losing their jobs due to vaccine mandates,” according to sources.
Irving took to Instagram Live the next day to dispel any rumours that he would retire over New York’s vaccine mandate.
“Don’t believe that I’m retiring,” Irving said. “Don’t believe that I’m gonna give up this game for a vaccine mandate or staying unvaccinated. Don’t believe any of that.”
The Nets are currently first place in the Eastern Conference with a 19-8 record.
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