Corona: Mayor appeals to NBA star: “Get vaccinated!”

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New York. Of the New Yorker Mayor Bill de Blasio hat Basketball-Star Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets called on to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. “I’m a fan of Kyrie. I just want to appeal to him – get vaccinated, “said de Blasio the US broadcaster CNN. The fans wanted to see Irving. “We all want you back, your teammates want you back,” added de Blasio.

On the media day of the NBA team from New York, Irving was not there in person on Monday, but switched on. The 29-year-old did not comment on whether he was vaccinated and merely stated that this was a private matter.

Unvaccinated NBA pros are not allowed to play in New York

De Blasio said some teams from the North American professional league were now completely vaccinated and spoke of a great role model. New York’s mayor had ordered in August that unvaccinated professional athletes may neither train nor play indoors. For Irving, this could mean that he will not be allowed to play home games for Brooklyn.

Superstar LeBron James announced on Tuesday that he had also been vaccinated in the meantime. On the same day, a preliminary corona protocol of the league became known, which provides for major restrictions for non-vaccinated players in the coming season. It has already been sent to the clubs, but the final negotiations with the players’ union are still pending.

Irving’s team-mates show understanding

Irving, who is supposed to attend the upcoming training camp in San Diego, is unlikely to be dissuaded from his path. The point guard is known for unconventional thinking. Years ago, for example, he claimed that the earth was “flat”, repeatedly refusing interviews and paying fines.

There is no criticism from colleagues. “That is Kyrie’s business and his personal decision,” said Irving’s team-mate Kevin Durant. It is not about “speculating what happens”.

Even Jayson Tatum from the Celtics, who was hit by the consequences of corona disease, says: “It’s your own decision. I understand the concerns of those who are not vaccinated. It’s about your health.”

Warriors professional Wiggins also rejects vaccination

The same rule as in the Big Apple applies in San Francisco, where the Golden State Warriors play. Andrew Wiggins is also not vaccinated, which is why the 26-year-old recently applied for an exemption for religious reasons – the NBA refused.

The league is in a difficult position. A planned compulsory vaccination for the professionals met with resistance from the players’ union NBPA and ultimately did not come through. However, this applies to referees, coaches and members of the team. And from these circles more and more resentment stirs.

“Everyone who is vaccinated should be mad at those who are not,” said an unnamed assistant coach at ESPN: “Not to require NBA players to be vaccinated is horse shit.”

NBA coach calls for compulsory vaccination for professionals

The number of vaccination breakthroughs is currently increasing. Ime Udoka, the new coach of the Boston Celtics around the German national player Dennis Schröder, ended the ten-day quarantine on Monday after a positive test – despite the vaccination.

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“The same standards must apply to the players as to us,” demanded an athletic trainer from an NBA team, pointing out the dangers for children who could not be vaccinated.