According to a report, “tension exists” between staffers around the NBA who are mandated to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and players who have opted not to get the shot.
“Though roughly 90% of NBA players are vaccinated as training camp approaches Tuesday, tension exists between those around the league mandated to be vaccinated and the nearly 40 unvaccinated players, league sources told ESPN,” wrote Baxter Holmes.
“In some instances, vaccinated staffers said they’re concerned about the health risks of being exposed to unvaccinated players. In others, staffers said they’re upset that players aren’t facing the same vaccine requirements as most team staff and referees. In still others, there’s animosity toward the league itself for not imposing such a mandate.”
One staffer went as far as to say that every vaccinated person around the NBA should be “pissed” at anyone who hasn’t gotten the shot.
“Everyone who is vaccinated should be pissed at those who aren’t,” a veteran assistant coach said. “Not requiring NBA players to be vaccinated is horses—.”
The NBA seemingly has a problem on its hands.
While the majority of the league’s players are vaccinated, many of those who aren’t may be required to miss games.
The league is reportedly considering asking some of its superstar players to appear in a pro-vaccine PSA. Perhaps that could get things moving in the right direction.
However, for the time being, it’s clear that the NBA is dealing with a somewhat messy situation. The 2021-22 season is rapidly approaching, and it remains to be seen if these concerns will be resolved in time.
