Protesters reportedly rushed to the arena gates around 3 p.m. Sunday, an hour before the Nets were supposed to enter the pitch for their home opener against the Charlotte Hornets.
Images posted on social media show protesters chanting “Let Kyrie play” as they passed through the barriers of the Barclays Center. Newsday reporter Greg Logan said police and security guards prevented protesters from entering the arena and restored order around 3:30 p.m.
Happening in Brooklyn Right Now: Vaccines Break Barriers at ‘Stand with Kyrie Irving’ Protest at Barclays Center pic.twitter.com/3qqQ8ZjLjQ
– philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) 24 October 2021
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No arrests or injuries were reported. A spokesperson for the arena told the New York Post that the game started as planned despite the protest, which required the doors to the Barclays Center to be closed briefly. After the crowd evacuated, the arena resumed, allowing fans with tickets to enter the building.
The team was seen as a solid preseason for the NBA Championship, but, with Irving’s suspension, it was questioned whether the Nets could still take the win without one of their best talents.
On Sunday, the Nets ended up losing 111-95 to the modest Hornets.
New York requires vaccination against Covid-19 for anyone entering many indoor venues, such as sports arenas. While the tenure prevented Irving from playing in his team’s home games, he could have taken the field in most other NBA arenas. Nonetheless, the Nets suspended him earlier this month for refusing to be vaccinated, saying he would be banned from training and playing until he is allowed to participate fully.
Irving, a seven-time NBA star, said earlier this month that his decision not to get the shot was about doing what he felt was best for himself. “Sitting in that seat here and seeing the way that divides our world – being vaccinated or unvaccinated – you know, it’s just sad to see,He told his Instagram followers. “It creates a lot of divisions, a lot of confusion. “
Irving refuted rumors he would be retiring, but said the tenure issue is “Bigger than the game of basketball. “ He added, “This is not normal, what is happening, it is not normal. . . . No one should be forced to do anything with their body.
Ironically, the New York vaccination order apparently does not apply to players on visiting teams. Unvaccinated Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal was cleared to occupy Madison Square Garden during his team’s October 15 preseason game against the New York Knicks.
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