The NBA is denying Golden State Warriors guard Andrew Wiggins' request for a religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all individuals inside the Chase Center.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health recently announced that Wiggins would not be allowed to play at any home games this season due to the city’s requirement all individuals 12 and older must be vaccinated at large indoor events.
In a statement released Friday night, the NBA announced that Wiggins’ request for exemption was denied, and he will officially be barred from participating in any Warriors’ home games until he is fully vaccinated.
Wiggins is one of the lone players currently at odds with COVID-19 rules and the league’s push for vaccinations. Entering training camp, 90% of players are fully vaccinated.
- Andrew Wiggins stats (2020-’21): 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game
Coming off a strong season with the Warriors, Wiggins is expected to play a prominent role this upcoming season. The 26-year-old projects to open the regular season as the starter with Klay Thompson still recovering from a knee and Achilles injury.
Wiggins will need to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 7 to receive clearance to play in Golden State’s home opener. There is also now a question about his availability for road games, which may depend on each NBA stadium’s guidelines.
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