NBA rejects Wiggins’ vaccine exemption request

"The NBA has reviewed and denied Andrew Wiggins' request for religious exemption"

The NBA has rejected Andrew Wiggins' request for a religious exemption from the Covid-19 vaccine, meaning that he will be banned from playing in home games for the Golden State Warriors.  Health rules in San Francisco state that those aged 12 and over are required to have had the vaccine in order to attend large indoor events.  Therefore, the NBA have stated that Wiggins is not allowed to play in Warriors home games 'until he fulfils the city's vaccination requirements'. "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." https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1441558497372643331 Whilst unvaccinated players are allowed to play this season, the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Warriors face stricter rules because of local coronavirus regulations in New York and San Francisco. The San Francisco Department of Public Health reiterated that there would be no exemption for anyone 12 and older. "Under the current order, if unvaccinated, they cannot enter indoor areas regardless of the reason they are unvaccinated and cannot test out of this requirement even if they have a medical or religious exemption,'' it said in a statement. Speaking in March, Wiggins stated that he couldn't see himself getting the vaccine, unless he was 'forced to somehow'.

"To each his own, really. Whoever wants to get it, can get it; whoever doesn't want to get it, don't get it," said Wiggins.

"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."

The 26-year-old added: "I don't really see myself getting it any time soon, unless I'm forced to somehow. Other than that, I'm good."

Golden State Warriors' first home game of the regular season starts at 3am on 22 October (United Kingdom Time). 

Related links:

• Bar refuses to show NBA games until LeBron James is expelled from league
• QUIZ: Can you name all the teams in the NBA from their locations?
• Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr quotes Jurgen Klopp after NBA playoff win