NYC Mayor Eric Adams Says He Can't Make Vaccine Mandate Exception for Kyrie Irving

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that he will not allow Irving to play home games for the Brooklyn Nets because of the city's roll back of vaccine mandates.

I want him on the court. I would do anything to get that ring. I want it so much. There is so much at stake here. The owner of the team talked to me. Adams said on CNBC that they want to find a way to get Kyrie on the court, but this is a bigger issue. It would send the wrong message if we told a lot of New York City employees that they wouldn't be able to be employed if they didn't follow the rules.

New York City is going to eliminate vaccinations for indoor facilities on March 7. Irving will not be able to play for the Nets in New York for the time being because of mandates for large employers in the city.

He would be able to enter as a spectator.

The current rules that allow unvaccinated non-New York athletes to play in the city but not unvaccinated residents puts the Nets at a disadvantage.

I don't know who thought of putting such a ridiculous rule in place, of unvaccinated away teams can come and play, when our teams from New York can't. I will open the door that is sending the wrong message if I don't.

Irving has refused to bevaccinated despite the fact that he has missed a lot of games and paychecks. The Nets have been one of the NBA's most disappointing teams this season, thanks in large part to Irving's absence, which in turn helped push James Harden over the edge to request a trade to Philadelphia.

New York's current rules do not make sense as it pertains to ensuring the health and safety of players and spectators, according to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

There is no timetable for removing the mandate impacting Irving.