Mayor Eric Adams admitted on Friday that former city council speaker Corey Johnson lobbied him on behalf of the Brooklyn Nets before he granted exceptions to the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for local athletes, including their star Kyrie Irving.
“Corey extended his hand, clearly stating that he was speaking on behalf of the Nets as he extended his hand,” Adams said.
“People who were against and for called me. This happens in the city.”
Adams’ remarks during an unrelated news conference in Brooklyn undermined his Thursday denial that he was lobbied ahead of his controversial move, which was criticized by ordinary New Yorkers, the city’s municipal unions, editorial boards and even some Democratic colleagues. including Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens), who replaced Johnson.
“I was not lobbied,” Adams said Thursday.
“I have spoken to both teams in the city, as I have been as mayor all along, on various issues. I listened to all sides and then made the final decision.”
Adams held his press conference Thursday at Citi Field in Queens, home of the Mets and where he was surrounded by both Amazins and Yankees executives.
On Friday, Adams denied that Corey Johnson’s lobbying efforts influenced his opinion on the order, which he signed on Thursday. Paul Martinka
The choice of venue raised eyebrows because billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen donated $1.5 million to the mayor’s PAC for last year’s election.
City records show that Johnson’s company, Cojo Strategies, was hired Feb. 8 for $18,000 a month by Nets General Counsel Jeff Gewirtz B-Cubed Holdings to lobby Adams and City Hall’s top aides for a health policy decree.
On Friday, Adams denied that Johnson’s lobbying efforts, first reported by Politico, influenced his opinion on the order, which he signed on Thursday.
“I said: Cory, like anyone else, I will proceed from what my doctors say,” he said.
“So, the thoughts of the City Council, the thoughts of other people, this is understandable. Eight point eighty million people, 35 million opinions, you know? There are things the city council speaker is going to do that I don’t agree with.”
He added, “But she has the role of city council, and I have the role of mayor.”
Adams spoke at Citi Field this week about the change. Paul Martinka
In response to questions from The Post, Adams also denied that his order constituted a double standard whereby highly paid athletes can earn a living without vaccinations while regular New Yorkers remain subject to the mandate.
“No double standards,” Adams said.
“I have made a decision based on the information I received from my medical team and I have a responsibility to make those decisions about how I am going to develop my city.”
Adams added, “It is clear to me that I am going to make decisions for New York City as mayor, and I have made that decision within the authority given to me as mayor of New York City.”