Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors' swingman, explained Monday why he decided to get the COVID-19 vaccination. He said that he felt "forced", in order to continue his NBA career.
After the Warriors' preseason opener against the Portland Trail Blazers Wiggins stated that he had two options: get vaccinated or not. This was his first public comment since being given the shot. It was hard to make the right decision. It worked out over the long-term and I am still healthy in 10 years.
After the league rejected Wiggins' request for a religious exemption, this is Wiggins' decision. Prior to training camp, Wiggins' vaccination status was in question. This is due to the San Francisco Department of Public Health restrictions that require everyone 12 years old or older to be vaccinated before they can attend indoor events. Warriors players must now show proof of vaccination to enter Chase Center starting Oct. 13 unless they have a medical or religious exemption.
Wiggins, 26 years old, spoke out about his hesitation to have the shot and said that he didn't feel any ill will towards the Warriors for the way the situation turned out.
Wiggins stated, "They didn’t make the rule." "But I guess to do some stuff, to work I guess you don’t own your body. This is what it boils down to. If you want to be a productive member of society, then they have set the rules for what you can and cannot do in your body. I hope there are many people who are stronger than me, keep fighting and stand up for what they believe. And hopefully it will work out for them.
Wiggins stated that he had received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot. This will enable him to practice as normal and to be fully vaccinated before the Warriors' Oct. 21 home opening against the LA Clippers.
Wiggins said that he had previously contracted COVID-19 and that it wasn't too severe. Wiggins also stated that he experienced an allergic reaction to something several years ago. This led him to carry an EpiPen.
He said, "I know that a lot people get reactions or injury from the vaccination. So I don't know how it's going for me in 10 years."
"I feel like a sardine-mouthed naivety about why I didn’t want it. I don't know what will happen to my body in 10-20 years. ... It was something I had to do."
Wiggins stated that he has some discomforts from getting vaccinated but was still able play 16 minutes and score 13 in Monday's 121–107 win over Blazers.
Wiggins stated that he is the only one in his family who has been vaccinated.
He said, "It's not something we believe in as families." They know I had to. The decision was simple: get the vaccine or not play basketball. 26 years old. Two children are mine. I would like to have more children. I want to do as many things as possible that will bring in as much money for my children and future generations, and [create] wealth for the next generation. So I took the chance, took the risk and now I hope I'm successful.
Wiggins expressed gratitude for the support from his teammates and others. Draymond Green, a Warriors forward, recently stated that he did not believe it was his role to push Wiggins towards getting the vaccine.
Wiggins stated, "It was great." It was pure love. Draymond was a great example of this. André Iguodala also said some wonderful things. There was a lot support from the team. However, whatever decision I made, they would stand behind it.
Wiggins acknowledged that "time wasn't on my side" but explained why he felt the need to get the shot.
Wiggins stated that while it is enjoyable to play, getting vaccinated will be something that will stay with me for a long period of time. "It wasn't something I wanted to do but I was forced."
