The NBA is making a list, checking it in two weeks.
When it comes to the COVID-19 booster shot, the league is drawing a clear line between who’s naughty and nice.
According to a Friday evening report from The Athletic, all NBA players who have not received the booster by Dec. 17 will have to undergo game-day COVID testing to determine their eligibility before they take the court.
Additionally, all team personnel have until Dec. 17 to get the booster, or else they can no longer interact with players, travel with the team, or continue to be categorized as Tier 1 employees (who face fewer overall COVID restrictions).
The NBA currently requires COVID-19 vaccinations for team personnel, but not for players. Some local mandates have required NBA players to be vaccinated in order to play, with New York City (and Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving) being the most discussed example.
Recent media reports have indicated that 97 percent of NBA players are fully vaccinated. The league has been encouraging booster shots, but Friday’s report suggests the NBA is taking things to the next level — get the booster, or else.
–Field Level Media