Irving, not vaccinated against Covid-19, cannot participate in the team’s home games due to New York’s workplace vaccination mandate, but he is allowed to attend home games as a spectator.
Irving was on the court during the team’s 110-107 victory over the New York Knicks at the Barclays Center in New York, and the NBA says the Nets were fined for “violating local New York law and league health and safety protocols.
According to ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Irving bought courtside seats.
In a statement released Monday, Nets star forward Kevin Durant expressed appreciation for the efforts of New York Mayor Eric Adams after criticizing him and the city’s vaccination mandate on Sunday.
“The past two years have been a difficult and painful time for New Yorkers, and a very confusing time with a changing landscape of rules and mandates,” the statement said.
“I appreciate the challenge the mayor has, given all the city has been through. My dissatisfaction with the situation does not change the fact that I will always strive to help the communities and cities in which I live and play in.”
Duran previously said that he did not “get” the current mandate and said that “it looks like someone is trying to make a statement or a hint to exercise their power.”
“But everyone here is looking for attention, and I feel like the mayor wants some attention right now,” Durant added. “He’ll figure it all out soon enough.” He’s better.
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“Finish Now”
On March 7, Adams lifted the city’s requirement to show proof of vaccination for indoor activities. However, a mandate requiring all workers doing work in person or interacting with the public to show proof they received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine bans Irving from playing.
During a public appearance earlier Sunday, Adams was asked by some critics about Irving being unable to play. “Listen. You’re right. Kairi can play tomorrow. Get vaccinated,” Adams replied.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, a former teammate of Irving’s, reacted to the situation on social media, saying it “absolutely makes no sense” that the Nets defenseman was able to attend the game as a fan but did not join the team in as a player.
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On Saturday, the former Duke quarterback sat outside to watch the Blue Devils play against Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship at the Barclays Center.
NBPA chief executive Tamika Tremalho criticized the city’s mandate on social media and called for its immediate end.
“The nonsensical ruling that singles out our own players from New York is fundamentally unfair,” Tremalho wrote. “Under this current rule, out-of-town athletes can come into town and not get vaccinated, and fans can enter both the Barclays Center and MSG regardless of vaccination status.
“However, New York athletes must be vaccinated in order to compete in their home arenas. If this rule is about protecting people, it simply doesn’t make sense and New York City should repeal it immediately.”
With the city’s mandate still in place, Irving will be unable to play 10 of the team’s last 14 games.