There was hope last week that Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets would soon be re-joining his team – even at home games – despite his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Because of dropping case numbers in New York, rumor had it that the mandates were about to be lifted and Irving would soon be permitted to suit up with his Nets team at the Barclays Center.
Well, hopefully you didn’t get your hopes up too high for that possibility.
New York City will lift Key2NYC vaccine mandate on March 7, assuming numbers stay on track, per Mayor Eric Adams.
But: I'm told the private sector mandate still restricts Kyrie Irving from playing in home games, although he could enter Barclays Center as spectator.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 27, 2022
It is being reported that while New York mayor Eric Adams does plan to lift the vaccine mandate for the city’s public sector on March 7, the private sector requirements will remain.
That means that Irving will still be barred from playing with his team at home.
What does this mean for the Nets and is there any chance the situation will change again?
Irving Still Out
Brooklyn fans were getting really excited at the idea of Irving once again playing with the Nets as a full participant.
As you surely know, right now he can only play in most away games because of his vaccine status.
However, this new wrinkle means that Irving might not be back with his team as soon as expected.
Thankfully, the Nets still have a few options to turn their season around.
Star player Kevin Durant is expected to be back soon and newcomer Ben Simmons should also be suiting up shortly.
With those two key pieces – and Irving still playing in away games – the Nets have a good shot at getting back on track and making it far in the postseason.
Still, every Brooklyn fan is hoping the COVID vaccine mandates continue to lift and allow Irving back on the floor as soon as possible.
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