Nuggets star on taking the COVID-19 vaccine: ‘I don’t feel comfortable’

Denver Nuggets star forward Michael Porter Jr. is joining those saying that he doesn’t feel comfortable getting a COVID-19 vaccine shot. 

In an interview with The Denver Post published Wednesday, Porter said he’s concerned how his body would react to the vaccine since he previously contracted the coronavirus. 

“For me, I had COVID twice, I saw how my body reacted, and although the chances are slim, with the vaccine, there’s a chance you could have a bad reaction to it,” Porter said. “For me, I don’t feel comfortable.”

Health experts say the vaccine is safe, including for those who have already had COVID-19.

Porter also shared his thoughts on the possibility of the league mandating vaccines for players, saying it’s everyone’s decision to get it or not, according to the Post. 

“My stance on the mandate is it definitely shouldn’t be a mandate. It should be everyone’s decision. I see it both ways. If you want to get it because you feel more protected and you feel safer, and it’s protecting people around you, get it,” Porter said. 

“That’s good for you. But if you feel like, ‘Oh, for me, I don’t feel safe getting it,’ then don’t get it.”

The league this week reportedly unveiled new COVID-19 safety protocols, requiring unvaccinated players to follow strict rules throughout the upcoming season. 

NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said on Wednesday that the league will withhold pay for unvaccinated players who miss games this season. 

“Any player who elects not to comply with local vaccination mandates will not be paid for games that he misses,” Bass said. 

Porter joins a growing list of NBA stars including Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins and Bradley Beal who have voiced hesitancy — and sometimes misinformation — about the COVID-19 vaccine. 

In a tweet on Wednesday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) voiced his support for them.

I stand with Kyrie Irving.

I stand with Andrew Wiggins.

I stand with Bradley Beal.

I stand with Jonathan Isaac.#NBA#YourBodyYourChoice https://t.co/kn74nwjVRV

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 29, 2021