The 2021-2022 NBA season, the 75th season of the association, will get underway in three weeks. However, there are still some players who remain unvaccinated, causing a bit of controversy.
A total of 90% of players have received at least one dose of the shot. But for some players have reportedly not yet been vaccinated. One of them is Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets.
Players in the NBA are not currently mandated to receive the vaccine against coronavirus. But in some cities such as New York City and San Francisco, players must be vaccinated before they are allowed to play at their home court.
Aside from Irving, there is also Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors. The 26-year-old former top pick previously applied for a religious exemption from getting the COVID-19 jab. That request was denied by the league.
“Wiggins will not be able to play in Warriors home games until he fulfills the city’s vaccination requirements,” the NBA said in a statement.
Regardless, the 6-foot-7 Canadian defended his decision.
“I’m confident in my beliefs and what I think is right, what I think is wrong. I’m just going to keep doing what I believe. Whether it’s one thing or another, just going to keep doing it,” Wiggins said.
Also, Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suggested that the NBA should remove the staff or players who refused to take the vaccine. (Anadolu) -bny