Friday, Oct 8, 2021. 8:24 PM
Kyrie Irving saw his ban on training at the Nets facilities lifted Friday by New York City Hall, which nevertheless still denies him the right to play at home, due to his unvaccinated status, reports Friday The Athletic.
The reason why the star player can again take part in sessions with his teammates is that the municipality has recognized that the HSS Training Center is a private building, and as such it could have access.
This is not the case with the Barclays Center, the room where the Nets play. And as long as the player does not present proof of at least one dose of vaccine received, according to the decree issued by the city at the end of August, he will not be able to defend the colors of his team.
Asked at a press conference, his coach Steve Nash said he was hopeful Irving would join the team for practice on Saturday, but was not sure yet.
“It’s positive to be able to welcome him back to our premises and to finally see him be part of the team again … It looks like this is positive news,” he said.
If he refuses to comment on the matter, Irving’s refusal to be vaccinated is the only explanation for his current situation with local authorities. A situation that could prove detrimental for his team which could if things remain so, have to do without him for half of the games of the regular season, that is to say 41, not to mention possible home games in the playoffs.
The NBA, not forcing its players to be vaccinated, instituted a very restrictive health protocol for the unvaccinated and decided that those who missed games for this reason would see their wages reduced.
For Irving, that loss would amount to $ 381,000 per unplayed game.
