Toronto Star

Wiggins decision off base

- Doug Smith

The Andrew Wiggins situation (rejecting the COVID-19 vaccine) is very disappoint­ing and baffling to me. I would have assumed a former teammate, Karl-Anthony Towns, who has lost so many loved ones to COVID, and others in the NBA would have told him the pandemic is neither a hoax or joke. The “I am doing more research” excuse is likely to resemble checking social media rather than building a laboratory or reading medical journals. I am still shocked that more players do not publicly campaign for vaccines. Any ideas on why?

— Bernie M.

There are lots of reasons — distrust in science, misinforma­tion, some sense of civil liberties eroding, fear of the unknown — that lead to decisions such as Wiggins’. All wrong and short-sighted in my opinion.

Looking ahead to the Raptors season opener, or after the first 10 games, which players would (realistica­lly) surprise you if they were in the starting five? — Phil

I would think there will be those who wonder if Scottie Barnes might not be a starter, but I don’t think he is, or should be, just yet. I hope fans realize that; I’m pretty sure Raptors management does.

Should sports talk-show people be banned from discussing their golf game on the air? There is nothing I could care less about. — Paul M.

You know, there is a lot of air time to fill and sometimes personal stories helps fill it and give some insight into the personalit­ies of the hosts. But to be totally truthful, the only time I ever listen to talk radio is the few minutes that I’m on it, so I don’t know if anyone’s going overboard on the personal stuff.

Send your questions on any sport to askdoug@thestar.ca. We reserve the right to edit for length, clarity and accuracy.

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