NBA rejects Andrew Wiggins' request for religious vaccination exemption

[September 25, 2021] The NBA announced Friday that it has rejected Andrew Wiggins' request for a religious exemption to the local COVID-19 vaccination order.  

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) takes the ball down court in the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

"The NBA has reviewed and denied Andrew Wiggins' request for religious exemption from the San Francisco Department of Public Health's order requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all participants age 12 and older at large indoor events," the league said in a statement. "Wiggins will not be able to play in Warriors home games until he fulfills the city's vaccination requirements."

Back in March, Wiggins discussed his perspective on the COVID-19 vaccine.

"To each his own, really. Whoever wants to get it, can get it; whoever doesn't want to get it, don't get it," Wiggins said in March. "Right now, I'm not getting it, but it's no knock on anyone else that's getting it. I make my own decisions. But right now, I decided not to get it."

Wiggins said back then that he would be interested in getting more information.

"Yeah, I don't really see myself getting it any time soon, unless I'm forced to somehow," he said. "Other than that, I'm good."

Wiggins averaged 18.6 points and 4.9 rebounds last season -- his first full campaign with the Golden State Warriors. The 26-year-old swingman shot a career-high 47.7 percent from the field and a personal-best 38.0 percent from 3-point range in 71 games (all starts).

--Field Level Media

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