Some NBA players still unvaccinated against COVID-19 ahead of new season

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - The 2021-2022 NBA season, the 75th season of the association, will get underway in three weeks, but some players still remain unvaccinated, causing controversy.

A total of 90 percent of players have received at least one dose of the shot, but some players -- including New Jersey Nets' superstar guard Kyrie Irving -- are reportedly not vaccinated.

Players in the NBA are not currently mandated to receive the vaccine against coronavirus, but in some cities such as New York City and San Francisco, players must take the vaccine to be on the court at home.

Golden State Warriors player Andrew Wiggins previously applied for a religious exemption from receiving COVID-19 vaccination, but NBA denied his request.

"Wiggins will not be able to play in Warriors home games until he fulfills the city's vaccination requirements," NBA said.

Wiggins still defends his decision; "I'm confident in my beliefs and what I think is right, what I think is wrong. I'm just going to keep doing what I believe. Whether it's one thing or another, just going to keep doing it," he said.

Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar jumped into the fray and said that NBA should remove the staff or players who refused to take the vaccine.