NBA denies Andrew Wiggins request for COVID-19 vaccine exemption

The NBA has denied the request of Andrew Wiggins for a COVID-19 vaccine exemption, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. The Golden State Warriors forward reportedly wanted an exception for religious reasons.

“The NBA has reviewed and denied Andrew Wiggins’ request for religious exemption from the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s order COVID-19 vaccination for all participants age 12 or over at large indoor events,” the NBA said in a statement. “Wiggins will not be able to play in Warriors home games until he fulfills the city’s vaccination requirements.”

Wiggins spent the first five seasons of his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves but was traded to the Warriors midway through his sixth year. The former Kansas star averaged 18.6 points per game this past season.

A spokesperson recently told ESPN that roughly 85% of NBA players are vaccinated. Although a vaccination is not a requirement of the league for its players, staff and referees are required to be vaccinated.

While the vaccine is not mandatory, the NBA does have a set of strict protocols for unvaccinated players. This includes having to sit in different sections on team buses and planes, as well as having their locker “as far away as possible” from vaccinated players. They will also be required to eat away from their teammates.

Within the past couple of weeks, President Joe Biden announced a sweeping set of vaccine mandates that could impact as many as 100 million Americans.

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is reportedly also among unvaccinated players.

Golden State plays its first home preseason game in less than two weeks on Oct. 6. Now that Andrew Wiggins has been denied a vaccine exemption, he will need to get the shot if he hopes to play in that game.

The Warriors begin their regular season Oct. 19 on the road against the Lakers.