DETROIT -- Eric Adams, the Mayor-elect, stated Friday night that New York City would not alter its COVID-19 vaccination mandate which currently prohibits Kyrie Irving playing in New York City games.
Adams, who was elected mayor of the city Tuesday, placed the responsibility on Irving and the NBA to resolve the issue. In order to be able to play at home games at Barclays Center or at Madison Square Garden (home of the New York Knicks), the Brooklyn Nets' point guard must get at least one shot.
Adams stated that New York City will not change its rule in an interview with CNN. "And again, it's up to Kyrie and the NBA to reach a complete understanding of how to keep him on Nets and continue to look at all our athletes who are coming here. Again, I believe the NBA and Kyrie will reach a decision on this."
Adams didn't elaborate on how Irving and the NBA could find a way to allow the point guard to play in New York City, if he is not vaccinated. The league follows the COVID-19 protocol.
On Friday, the Nets lost Irving to injury in their ninth game. Irving can still play in games played in NBA cities without a vaccine mandate. However, the Nets decided not to have him as their starting point guard until he is vaccinated or if the city changes.
Joe Tsai, Nets owner, recently stated to ESPN that Irving's return is uncertain due to the mandate.
When asked by ESPN when he thought Irving would play again, Tsai replied that he didn't know. If the New York mandate remains in effect, then he must be vaccinated before he can return to play. Don't ask me when the New York mandate may be changed. If you ask people at the city level who make decisions, they will tell you that we rely on science and rely on the advice of the health department [in order for us to proceed].
"I hope Kyrie can be part the team, part Brooklyn for the long-term. ... We have to ask him whether he is able to play this season. I hope he gets his vaccines as soon as possible.
Adams, who will assume office Jan. 1, was interviewed by CNBC about protocols for municipal workers. He said that the city needed to "review how we are going address the vaccine mandates." This comment gave hope that the mandate might change after January 1, which would allow Irving to continue playing even if he is not vaccinated.
Adams spoke with CNN Friday to say that Kyrie will decide if she wants to get vaccinated.
Adams stated, "That's his determination." Adams said, "I don’t want to dictate for them, it’s his body. He has to decide what he wants."
"I love Kyrie and I'm a Nets fan. He's the piece we need to win a championship. Therefore, I believe it's up the NBA and Kyrie that they come to an agreement on how they want to resolve this. I believe they can.
After Friday's win, the Nets defeated the Pistons 96 to 90. Coach Steve Nash was informed about Adams' comment that the city would not alter its vaccine mandate.
He said, "My reaction is not surprising." "I didn’t expect the mayor would change the mandate. We need to be focused on our team. We would all be thrilled if Kyrie could come back. We focus on our team and keep building.
