The COVID-19 vaccine has been a big talking point around the NBA. Some players have come out and publicly supported the vaccine, while others have come out and said they’re not taking it. While an overwhelming majority of players in the league are vaccinated, there is still a hurdle that needs to be reached in order to hit the 100% mark.
Unvaccinated players will face more stringent guidelines and will be losing money on any games that are missed due to COVID-related issues. LeBron James told that media that he himself is vaccinated but when asked if he will advocate for the vaccine, he said it’s not his job.
"You guys know me, anything I talk about, I don't talk about other people and what they should do. I speak for me and my family. That's what it's about," James said. "We're talking about individual bodies. We're not talking about something political, or racism or police brutality. We're talking about people's bodies and well-being. I don't think I personally should get involved in what other people should do for their bodies and livelihoods. That would be like me talking about if somebody should take this job or not. Listen, you have to do what's best for you and your family.”
James' unwillingness to be a public advocate for the vaccine didn’t sit well with Celtics center Enes Kanter who, on an appearance on CNN, called out LeBron for being silent when the league still needs help reaching the 100% mark.
"When I heard it, I was very disappointed, and it's ridiculous," Kanter said. "Obviously, LeBron James, he's one of the faces of the league, and he should be the first one to go out there and say, 'Listen, everyone. I got the vaccine, and I'm encouraging everyone, my community, everyone, basketball fans, non-basketball fans and sports fans are just going out there and get this vaccine, so we can save other lives.' When I heard that, I just couldn't believe it. But I hope he can educate himself about this vaccination and inspire and encourage other people around him."
The NBA had hoped its stars would take a more vocal role and appear in public service announcements; however, most are reluctant to do so. The league then turned to past greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell to encourage others to get their shots.
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