Nets to Irving: No vax, no play
Nets guard Kyrie Irving can keep refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but he won’t play for the team until he does.
The Nets announced Tuesday that Irving wouldn’t play or practice with them until he could be a full participant, ending the idea he would play in road games only.
Irving hasn’t said he isn’t vaccinated, asking for privacy when he spoke via Zoom during the Nets’ media day Sept. 27. But he rarely has been with the Nets in New York, where a mandate requires pro athletes playing for a team in the city to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to play or practice in public venues.
‘‘Kyrie’s made it clear that he has a choice in this matter, and it’s ultimately going to be up to him what he decides,’’ Nets general manager Sean Marks said. ‘‘We respect the fact that he has a choice; he can make his own. Right now, what’s best for the organization is the path that we’re taking.’’
Teams aren’t allowed to reveal private details of players’ health. But asked whether Irving was vaccinated, Marks said: ‘‘If he was vaccinated, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. I think that’s probably pretty clear.’’
♦ Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks will miss the start of the season to ensure he fully recovers from a hyperextended and broken left hand suffered during an offseason practice. Brooks, who averaged 17.2 points last season, will be reevaluated in two to three weeks.
♦The Celtics said center Al Horford tested positive for COVID-19 and is in isolation. He is the second Celtics player to test positive this month, joining guard Jaylen Brown.
NHL
Bettman: 4 players not vaxxed
Commissioner Gary Bettman said the NHL has only four unvaccinated players as it opens the 2021-22 season.
‘‘Maybe that’s why hockey is the ultimate team sport,’’ he said.
Bettman added that all NHL officials and all the personnel who come into contact with the players are vaccinated.
♦High-scoring wing Alex Ovechkin is questionable to play in the Capitals’ season opener Wednesday against the Rangers.
Ovechkin, 36, took part in an optional practice after skating several laps around the ice to test the unspecified lower-body injury he suffered last week.
♦ The Canadiens signed center Nick Suzuki, 22, to an eight-year, $63 million contract extension that runs through the 2029-30 season.
MLB
Reports: Yanks’ Boone to return
Multiple outlets reported the Yankees are expected to bring back manager Aaron Boone for a fifth season, despite falling to the Red Sox in the American League wild-card game last week. He has a 328-218 record in four seasons.