NBA says most non-playing staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19

It was learned last week that the Miami Heat were requiring employees to have at least begun the process of getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by this coming Wednesday at the very latest or risk losing their jobs. 

According to Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps of ESPN, the NBA is embracing similar protocols. 

The NBA has told teams that non-playing personnel who work within 15 feet of referees and players during games must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Oct. 1. ESPN adds that coaches, front-office members, trainers, broadcasters, scoreboard operators, photographers, and anybody else who has direct contact with players either on or near the court or behind the scenes are named in the league directive. 

While the Heat previously said those who can prove "a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief" may be able to avoid getting one of the safe and available shots, ESPN mentioned no such exemptions in Friday's piece. Additionally, booster shots could be mandated for at least non-playing employees down the road.

Currently, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association are not mandating players be vaccinated to participate in the upcoming season. During a Thursday conference call, NFL deputy general counsel Larry Ferazani said that league wants mandatory vaccinations for all personnel, including players.