The N.B.A. fined the Brooklyn Nets $50,000 for permitting guard Kyrie Irving to enter the workforce’s house locker room throughout Sunday’s recreation towards the Knicks. Mr. Irving has not been vaccinated towards Covid-19 and thus was not allowed to be with the workforce at Barclays Middle.
Mr. Irving had attended the sport as a spectator, with a seat within the entrance row.
Underneath New York Metropolis legislation, Mr. Irving can’t play in video games at Barclays Middle due to a vaccine mandate for New York Metropolis-based staff who carry out in-person work.
Whereas Mayor Eric Adams loosened some vaccine requirements earlier this month, he has left in place the private-sector mandate. Underneath the N.B.A.’s well being and security protocols, groups should comply with native decrees.
The Nets declined to remark.
Throughout a public look on Sunday, Mr. Adams responded to a heckler who urged him to let Mr. Irving play: “Listen, you’re right. Kyrie can play tomorrow: Get vaccinated.”
The Nets ahead Kevin Durant referred to as the rule “ridiculous” after the sport towards the Knicks. He additionally criticized the mayor.
“It just feels like, at this point now, somebody is trying to make a statement or point to flex their authority,” Mr. Durant advised reporters. “Everybody out here is looking for attention. That’s what I feel like the mayor wants right now: some attention.”
Minutes after the N.B.A. introduced the Nets’ high quality on Monday, Mr. Durant issued a press release by means of the Nets and softened his stance towards Mr. Adams.
“The last two years have been a difficult and painful time for New Yorkers, as well as a very confusing time with the changing landscape of the rules and mandates,” the assertion learn. “I do appreciate the task the mayor has in front of him with all the city has been through. My frustration with the situation doesn’t change the fact that I will always be committed to helping the communities and cities I live in and play in.”
Mr. Irving’s vaccination standing has vexed the Nets for the complete season. He has performed in solely 18 of the workforce’s 68 video games, partially as a result of the mandate has barred him from taking part in house video games, and he has refused to get vaccinated. Mr. Irving is allowed to play in highway video games the place cities shouldn’t have vaccine mandates. Solely Toronto, the place the Raptors play, prohibits unvaccinated visiting gamers from competing.
