Article Author:
Reuters
The NBA team said Monday that players will receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or have medical clearance to be vaccinated before playing games in Canada this season, according to Bleacher Report and ESPN.
Players who do not meet Canada's vaccine requirements will not receive compensation for missed games. Teams should also report these players as "out — health and safety protocol," according to a memo distributed by the league, as reported by ESPN.
The rule dates back to the middle of last season. Notable teams affected include the Brooklyn Nets, who were forced to be without Kyrie Irving, and the Philadelphia, who were without Mattis Thybulle when they crossed the border for their playoff series against the Toronto Raptors. It included the 76ers.
The Raptors will have his 3 preseason games in Canada in addition to his 41 regular season games.
All Toronto players were vaccinated last season. Players on this upcoming season's roster will need to be vaccinated for every game, not just the Canadian games.
– Field Level Media
