The N.B.A. fined the Brooklyn Nets $50,000 for permitting guard Kyrie Irving to enter the workforce’s dwelling locker room throughout Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Knicks. Mr. Irving has not been vaccinated in opposition to Covid-19 and thus was not allowed to be with the workforce at Barclays Heart.
Mr. Irving had attended the sport as a spectator, with a seat within the entrance row.
Underneath New York Metropolis regulation, Mr. Irving can not 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: “Hear, you’re proper. Kyrie can play tomorrow: Get vaccinated.”
The Nets ahead Kevin Durant referred to as the rule “ridiculous” after the sport in opposition to the Knicks. He additionally criticized the mayor.
“It simply seems like, at this level now, someone is attempting to make a press release or level to flex their authority,” Mr. Durant informed reporters. “All people out right here is in search of 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’ superb on Monday, Mr. Durant issued a press release via 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 principles and mandates,” the assertion learn. “I do respect the duty the mayor has in entrance of him with all town has been via. My frustration with the scenario doesn’t change the truth that I’ll at all times be dedicated to serving to the communities and cities I dwell in and play in.”
Mr. Irving’s vaccination standing has vexed the Nets for your 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 enjoying dwelling video games, and he has refused to get vaccinated. Mr. Irving is allowed to play in street video games the place cities should not have vaccine mandates. Solely Toronto, the place the Raptors play, prohibits unvaccinated visiting gamers from competing.