NBA set to quash COVID-19 vaccine mandate in upcoming 2022-2023 season: Report

National Basketball Association (NBA) is currently being linked with reports claiming that league will do away with its mandatory COVID-19 vaccine rms for NBA 2022-23 season. A recent report by Yahoo Sports suggests that, while league strongly recommends all players and coaching staff to be vaccinated against vel coronavirus, NBA will longer mandate individuals for same. However, it is being understood that unvaccinated players will be subject to periodic testing.

If reports are believed to be true, situation will draw stark contrast to NBA’s health and safety policies from 2021-22 season. During previous season, vaccine requirements were left up to cities and states to decide. players didn’t need to get vaccinated mandatorily, but y h to abide by local guidelines about same. 

league went ahe last season with a 95% vaccination rate as most of players chose to get vaccinated. Most tably, Golden State Warriors star Andrew Wiggins was one of names who initially declined idea of getting jabbed, but was vaccinated later to avoid missing home games in Bay Arena. In a recent interview on YouTube channel Fan Sided, Wiggins revealed that he still rues getting vaccinated, despite fact that Warriors picked up NBA 2021-22 title.

What did Andrew Wiggins say on COVID-19 vaccination?

“I did it, and I was an All-Star this year and champion, so that was good part, just t missing out on year, best year of my career. But for my body, I just don't like putting all that stuff in my body, so I didn't like that and I didn't like that it wasn't my choice. I didn't like that it was eir get this or don't play,” Wiggins said.

A look at Kyrie Irving's vaccination saga

At same time, Philelphia 76ers wind Matisse Thybulle was also barred to play in Games 3,4 and 6 during team’s first-round playoff series against Toronto Raptors, as he didn’t receive vaccine and was t allowed to enter Cana. Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving was one of top players to refuse getting vaccinated, which resulted in team sending him home for first half of season. 

Irving played his first match previous season on January 5, after team changed ir mind. However, Irving was only allowed to play away game and he me his home debut in season on March 27, after local mandates were lifted in New York. Irving’s absence from first half of season resulted in team losing its super team status.

(Im: AP)