The N.B.A. fined the Brooklyn Nets $50,000 for permitting guard Kyrie Irving to enter the group’s dwelling 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 group at Barclays Heart.
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 Heart due to a vaccine mandate for New York Metropolis-based employees who carry out in-person work.
Whereas Mayor Eric Adams loosened some vaccine necessities 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: “Pay attention, you’re proper. Kyrie can play tomorrow: Get vaccinated.”
The Nets ahead Kevin Durant known as the rule “ridiculous” after the sport towards the Knicks. He additionally criticized the mayor.
“It simply seems like, at this level now, any individual is attempting to make an announcement or level to flex their authority,” Mr. Durant informed reporters. “All people out right here is on the lookout for consideration. That’s what I really feel just like the mayor needs proper now: some consideration.”
Minutes after the N.B.A. introduced the Nets’ high quality on Monday, Mr. Durant issued an announcement by way of the Nets and softened his stance towards Mr. Adams.
“The final two years have been a tough and painful time for New Yorkers, in addition to a really complicated time with the altering panorama of the foundations and mandates,” the assertion learn. “I do admire the duty the mayor has in entrance of him with all the town has been by way of. My frustration with the scenario doesn’t change the truth that I’ll all the time be dedicated to serving to the communities and cities I stay in and play in.”
Mr. Irving’s vaccination standing has vexed the Nets for the whole season. He has performed in solely 18 of the group’s 68 video games, partly as a result of the mandate has barred him from enjoying dwelling video games, and he has refused to get vaccinated. Mr. Irving is allowed to play in street video games the place cities don’t have vaccine mandates. Solely Toronto, the place the Raptors play, prohibits unvaccinated visiting gamers from competing.
