SAN FRANCISCO, (AP) Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors forward, has been vaccinated against COVID-19 and is now eligible to play in all of his games.
According to the Warriors, coach Steve Kerr made the announcement Sunday to reporters after practice, before the team traveled down to Portland for its first preseason match.
Wiggins was facing the possibility of being denied entry to the Chase Center in Golden States for games that begin Oct. 13, when the San Francisco Department of Public Health began requiring proof of vaccinations for large indoor events.
Wiggins stated Monday that he would stand by his vaccine beliefs, but added: "Back is definitely against me, but I'm going to fight for what my beliefs." I will continue fighting for what is right. One person's opinion may not be the right of another and vice versa.
According to the NBA, Wiggins' request for a religious exemption was denied. He will not be allowed to play in Warriors home games until Wiggins has fulfilled the vaccine mandate. To attend indoor events at Chase Center, anyone 12 years old or older must show proof of vaccination. This message is posted on the Warriors' website.
Wiggins refused to elaborate on what these beliefs actually mean, saying that it was not her business.
He could lose more than $350,000 per home game and would have lost half of his $31.6million salary if he did not play.
He said, "It's not your problem."
Wiggins, 26, entered his eighth NBA season with an average of 18.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks.
The Warriors' first home regular-season game against the Los Angeles Clippers is Oct. 21.
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