Eric Adams, New York City Mayor said Monday that he wanted to see Kyrie IrvingBarclays Center, playing home games but making an exception to the non-vaccinated Brooklyn NetsStar guard “would send the wrong signal” to the rest the city.
Adams spoke to CNBC, adding that he had spoken with Joseph Tsai, Nets owner, about the issue.
“Listen Kyrie, I want to be on the court. That ring is mine. I want it so bad. But this is a huge issue. And I spoke to the owner of the team. Adams spoke with CNBC about how they want to find a solution to get Kyrie onto the court. “It’s not possible for my city to be closed down again. It would send the wrong signal to make an exception for one player while we tell countless New York City employees, “If your don’t follow these rules, you won’t get hired.”
Adams’ remarks came one day after he stated in a statement, that COVID-19 numbers are continuing to decline, and that the city will consider March 7th as the date for removing vaccination requirements for “indoor eating, fitness, and entertainment venues.” Adams stated in an official statement that “All other vaccine requirements in New York City will continue to be in place at the moment as they are, or have been, vital for protecting New Yorkers.”
Adams said Monday that Irving’s current rule of not being allowed to play home games makes no sense since unvaccinated players are permitted to play in New York City games. He said that even though the rule was “ridiculous” he believes it to be. However, he stated that “these are the rules and they have to be followed.” If I don’t, it will send the wrong message every day to my employees.
Irving, who is playing in road games this season for the Nets, stated Saturday that he could see the “light at the end the tunnel” and a pathway where he will finally be able to play at home this year. Irving also expressed appreciation for Adam Silver, NBA commissioner,’s comments on ESPN’s Get Up. Silver said Irving was being defended while saying that the mandate “doesn’t quite make sense” because Irving is required to sit and unvaccinated members of opposing teams can play.
The path to Irving’s return from the Barclays Center court is not as close as he thought.
“Businesses have their vaccine mandates. All city employees have their vaccine mandates. I have to adhere to the rules. Trust me, Kyrie is on the court,” Irving said to CNBC. “We are opening our city right now because of vaccine mandates. We cannot close our city again. “It’s impossible for my city to close down again.”