Michael Jordan has shared his thoughts on the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols. On Monday (Oct. 11), the NBA legend and Charlotte Hornets owner sat down with Craig Melvin on NBC’s “TODAY,” where he said he supports the league’s new rules pertaining to the Coronavirus.
“I am total in unison with the league,” Jordan said, adding that he’s “not at all” concerned about the protocols. “I think everybody, you know, has been speaking about the vaccinations. And, you know, I’m a firm believer in science and… I’m going to stick with that and hopefully everybody abides by whatever the league sets [as] the rules. I think once everybody buys in, we’re going to be fine.”
Going into the league’s regular season, which kicks off next week, Jordan said athletes’ ability to “stay healthy” amidst the pandemic is going to give teams their “best chance” at success.
Jordan’s support for the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols arrives as some players, most notably Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving, have spoken out against the league’s rules. On Tuesday (Oct. 12), Nets General Manager Sean Marks announced that Irving will not be allowed to play or practice with the team until he’s vaccinated, per New York City’s mandate.
“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,” he 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.”
As reported by REVOLT, the NBA previously announced that it would withhold pay from players who miss season games due to being unvaccinated. Athletes who have not been vaccinated against the Coronavirus will also not be allowed to eat with their inoculated teammates and will have separate lockers. Unvaccinated players will also be required to wear masks and be frequently tested for the virus.