NYC Mayor Eric Adams can't make exception for Kyrie Irving

On Monday, New York Mayor Eric Adams was candid about his desire to see Kyrie Irving playing home games at Barclays Center, "but making an exception for the Brooklyn Nets..would send the wrong message" to the rest of the city.

Adams makes Irving stance clear

Of course Adams' comments come on the back of a public statement made a day earlier, in which he stated that as long as covid-19 numbers continue to decrease, the city intends to end adhere to a March 7 deadline for removal of vaccination requirements for "indoor dining, fitness and entertainment venues." Where's the catch?

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While the city's vaccination policies may well be concluded, "All other vaccine mandates in New York City will remain in place at this time as they are, and have been, vital to protecting New Yorkers," according to Adams.

"Listen, I want Kyrie on the court. I would do anything to get that ring. So badly, I want it. But there's so much at stake here. And I spoke with the owner of the team. We want to find a way to get Kyrie on the court, but this is a bigger issue," Adams said in the interview.

"I can't have my city closed down again. It would send the wrong message just to have an exception for one player when we're telling countless number of New York City employees, 'If you don't follow the rules, you won't be able to be employed.'"

Eric Adams is in a tough spot

It should be mentioned that on Monday, Adams conceded that the rule currently keeping Irving from playing home games "makes no sense," especially considering that away players who are unvaccinated are allowed to play in games in New York City. Adams in fact referred to the rule as "ridiculous." Be that as it may, the mayor was clear about his intentions to obey the law.

"These are the rules and I have to follow the rules. If I don't, I'm going to open the door that is sending the wrong message to everyday employees."

Irving for his part, has been allowed to play in road games for the Nets. Speaking on Saturday, the Nets' point guard was upbeat about the future, saying that he can see "light at the end of the tunnel" as he referred to the possibility of being able to play at home before the season comes to an end.

Irving also went on to disclose that he was very appreciative of NBA commissioner Adam Silver's recent comments about the whole scenario. Silver defended Irving while seemingly echoing the words of Mayor Adams as he admitted that the mandate "doesn't quite make sense."

What happens with Kyrie Irving now?

All things considered, it seems likely that Irving will play again in the future as a growing number of states continue to relax their covid-19 regulations, however, the key question that remains unanswered is 'how soon will that be?'

"Businesses have their vaccine mandates. City employees have their vaccine mandates. I have to follow the rules. And trust me, I want Kyrie on the court," Adams said.

"We are here right now opening our city because of vaccine mandates. We can't close down again. I can't have my city close down again."