Eric Adams says rule barring Kyrie Irving from home games is 'unfair,' reluctant to change it

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday said he believes the city’s rule barring Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving from playing in NBA home games because he’s unvaccinated is "unfair" since visiting unvaccinated players can play, according to reports. 

Adams said he was reluctant to amend the rule, however, because it would send a "mixed message" that an exception can be made for a celebrity but not regular employees or audience members in the arena, the New York Post reported. 

All employees and audience members at the Brooklyn Barclays Center or any other New York City entertainment venue are required to be vaccinated. 

Adams' comments came two days after more than 1,400 city workers, including police officers, firefighters and teachers, were fired for refusing to get vaccinated. 

"First of all, I think the rule is unfair," Adams told reporters. "I believe that we are saying to out-of-town athletes that they can come in and not be vaccinated. Yet New York athletes have to be vaccinated and they also do this for entertainers. I want people to know that. Entertainers can come here without being vaccinated and perform. I think it’s unfair."

Eric Adams speaks during a Feb. 15, 2022, press conference (YouTube/ New York City) (YouTube/ New York City)

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Since December, the team has allowed Irving to play away games in cities that don’t require players to be vaccinated. The NBA doesn’t require players to be vaccinated. 

Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on February 12, 2022 at FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. Copyright