Unvaccinated NBA players who are on the road to face the Toronto Raptors this season will face serious penalties if they break protocols.
NBA writer and analyst Shams Charania were the first to break the news on Wednesday evening, tweeting that players have been informed of criminal penalties awaiting anyone who decides to flout Canada’s Quarantine Act.
According to reports emerging and per Canada’s Quarantine Act, those NBA players who breach their hotel quarantines could face six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines.
Unvaccinated players reportedly are only able to leave their hotel for team activities in Toronto, where teams travel to play the Raptors.
Sources: NBA players were informed unvaccinated players who breach quarantine in Toronto face criminal offense. Unvaccinated players only able to leave hotel for team activities. Per Canada’s Quarantine Act, violations could lead to up to 6 months in prison and/or $750K in fines.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 7, 2021
The news comes a little over a week after the conclusion of NBA Media Days, which saw multiple players speak on their vaccine status, as well as vaccination pressure.
Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets is one of the few NBA star players who remain either unvaccinated or unwilling to tell the public about his vaccination status.
Irving was not present at the Nets facility for media day, and instead conducted his press conference via video. He asked for privacy when it comes to his vaccination status.
“You gotta make sure you respect the privacy,” Irving said. “I don’t want to create any more drama, that’s not what I’m here for. I’m going to continue to inspire and lead in the right way. Don’t say I never did anything for y’all. I hope y’all enjoyed that.”
For Irving and the Nets, Irving’s vaccine decision could be costly.
New York requires at least one dose of the vaccine in order for players to play indoors, and the Nets will play 41 home games at Barclays Center located in Brooklyn, New York.
Last week, the NBA announced that any player who misses a game due to not complying with local vaccine requirements will not be paid for the game.
As of now, Irving will not be able to play in Nets home games.
Source: DailyWire