Andrew Wiggins really did not want to take the vaccine, but misssing 41 games as well as millions of dollars were at stake because of his stance.
The Golden State Warriors forward explained on Monday why he recently received the COVID-19 vaccine, saying he did so out of feeling it was necessary to continue his NBA career.
“The only options were to get vaccinated or not play in the NBA,” Wiggins said after the Warriors’ preseason opener. “It was a tough decision. Hopefully, it works out in the long run and in 10 years I’m still healthy.”
On Sunday, social media was buzzing when Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters that Wiggins told him he had been vaccinated. It was a huge change from his media day interview when he told reporters “it’s none of your business” when asked about his vaccine status. Per league policy, Wiggins would not gotten paid for the games he would have missed had he not been vaccinated.
“I guess to do certain stuff, to work, I guess you don’t own your body,” Wiggins said. “That’s what it comes down to. If you want to work in society today, then I guess they made the rules of what goes in your body and what you do.
“Hopefully, there’s a lot of people out there that are stronger than me and keep fighting, stand for what they believe, and hopefully, it works out for them.”
Wiggins said he previously contracted COVID-19 and that it “it wasn’t too bad.” If you’re wondering, Wiggins received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. He is entering his second full season with the Warriors, after coming to the franchise in a mid-season trade.
Last season, he started 71 games, averaging 18.6 points and 4.9 rebounds on 47.7% shooting from the field.
