NBA turning up heat on players, staff to get COVID booster—report
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 27: Fans arrive at the Vivint Smart Home Arena before the start of the Utah Jazz game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of their game November 27, 2021 Salt Lake City, Utah. All fans must provide their vaccine card to enter the stadium. Chris Gardner/Getty Images/AFP
The NBA is making a list, checking it in two weeks.
When it comes to the COVID-19 booster shot, the league is drawing a clear line between who’s naughty and nice.
According to a Friday evening report from The Athletic, all NBA players who have not received the
The NBA is making a list, checking it in two weeks.
When it comes to the COVID-19 booster shot, the league is drawing a clear line between who’s naughty and nice.
booster by Dec. 17 will have to undergo game-day COVID testing to determine their eligibility before they take the court.
Additionally, all team personnel has until Dec. 17 to get the booster, or else they can no longer interact with players, travel with the team, or continue to be categorized as Tier 1 employees (who face fewer overall COVID restrictions).
The NBA currently requires COVID-19 vaccinations for team personnel, but not for players. Some local mandates have required NBA players to be vaccinated in order to play, with New York City (and Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving) being the most discussed example.
Recent media reports have indicated that 97 percent of NBA players are fully vaccinated. The league has been encouraging booster shots, but Friday’s report suggests the NBA is taking things to the next level — get the booster, or else.
