Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving, who has strongly opposed getting vaccinated against the coronavirus, missed his team’s practices in the Big Apple.
Irving practiced with his teammates last week in San Diego, but missed the team’s first practice in New York as a result of the city’s strict protocols for COVID-19.
Due to the ongoing global pandemic, New York has implemented new health and safety regulations that do not allow unvaccinated athletes to participate in practices and games.
Irving would need proof of at least one shot to practice at the Barclays Center arena.
“There are no more updates,” Nets coach Steve Nash said at practice Tuesday. “We support it. We are here for him. Things change. We are here for him.
If Irving continues to avoid the vaccine, he would start to miss his team’s games at home.
Irving could end up losing millions of dollars in salary if he doesn’t play at home this season.
“I’m not really worried about anything,” Nash pointed out. “We are just trying to work every day. We arrived today and had a great practice and we will do the same tomorrow.
The Nets’ next preseason game is Friday against Milwaukee at the Barclays Center.
Brooklyn’s regular season home opener is scheduled for Oct. 24 against Charlotte. AP (HN)