NYC mayor urges Nets star Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated ‘Your fans want to see you’

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) urged Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus so he can play home games in the city.

During an appearance on CNN’s “New Day,” de Blasio told host John Berman that the city’s vaccine mandate for large public gatherings will not make an exemption for famous people. 

New York and San Francisco enacted laws requiring citizens to show proof of vaccination to attend large indoor events, not allowing negative COVID-19 tests as an alternative. 

“We have a rule that has to be applied, whether you’re famous, whether you’re not famous, you know, whether your everyday working man or woman — get vaccinated because that’s what makes us all safe,” de Blasio said. 

When asked about Irving, de Blasio urged the star point guard to get vaccinated, pointing out that other NBA clubs have reached the 100 percent vaccination threshold.

“Look, I’m a fan. I’m a fan of the Nets. I live in Brooklyn. I’m a fan of Kyrie. I would just appeal to him, get vaccinated. Your fans want to see you. We all want you back,” de Blasio said. “Your teammates want you back. Look, there are teams now that are 100 percent vaccinated. That’s a great example to everyone else.” 

Irving has become the face of a small group of NBA players resisting getting the COVID-19 vaccine and often spreading misinformation in their comments on the topic. 

The league unveiled their latest COVID-19 safety plan this week, requiring unvaccinated players to follow strict protocols throughout the upcoming season. The league spokesperson Mike Bass also announced the NBA will withhold pay for unvaccinated players who miss games this season. 

About 90 percent of the league’s players are fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus.