Irving, who refused to reveal his vaccination status, was forced
to sit out the Nets' first pre-season home game last week
against the Milwaukee Bucks as he was listed as "ineligible" by
the team.
A New York City mandate requires proof of at least one shot of
the COVID-19 vaccine to enter large indoor spaces such as gyms.
"Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough
deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or
practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full
participant," Nets' general manager Sean Marks said in a
statement.
"Kyrie has made a personal choice and we respect his individual
right to choose.
"Currently the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time
member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our
team to participate with part-time availability."
The Nets begin their regular season on the road with games
against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers before
their first home game at the Barclays Center against the
Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 24.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)
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