September 02, (THEWILL) – A memo sent out to basketball teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Thursday has detailed a fresh set of proposals that concern players who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 based on personal convictions.
The NBA has required that unvaccinated players should have lockers “as far away as possible” from vaccinated teammates. In addition to that, these unvaccinated squad members will be separated from their teammates during team meals and on flights and on team buses between games.
Although these are supposed to be immediately operational, the rules are not final and subject to ongoing talks with the National Basketball Players Association. However, the guidelines make it clear that vaccinated and unvaccinated players will have very different off-court experiences during the upcoming season.
As part of the differences in experiences, Unvaccinated players will also be subject to daily testing and may sometimes be tested twice on game days, as required. Furthermore, the unvaccinated will also have to report any close contacts with a person who is diagnosed with COVID-19 and will be subject to quarantine, should it be considered necessary.
On the other hand, vaccinated players will not undergo daily testing or have to report close contacts as required of their unvaccinated teammates.
The restrictions may not sit well for the unvaccinated yet, Thursday’s memo is part of what the league hopes will help secure an agreement with the union that would call for all players to be tested for COVID-19 antibodies as part of the preseason physicals.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
