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Kyrie Irving to miss Friday's preseason game against Bucks due to New York's COVID-19 policy

Kyrie Irving is officially going to start missing games over his vaccination status. The Brooklyn Nets ruled Irving ineligible to play for Friday's preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks in compliance with New York's COVID-19 vaccination policy, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

That shouldn't come as a surprise. Irving was not present at the team's media day, and has already missed practices over his refusal to get vaccinated. New York COVID-19 mandates require "proof of at least one dose of vaccination for all workers and individuals in indoor entertainment and performing arts venues."

Friday's game against the Bucks will take place in Brooklyn, making it the first game Irving will miss due to being unvaccinated. If Irving refuses to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, he would not be able to play during any of the Nets' home games during the 2021-22 NBA season. The Nets are reportedly losing hope that Irving will get vaccinated.

Kyrie Irving could lose over $15M due to being unvaccinated

That could change once Irving starts missing out on game checks. It is expected Irving will lose over $380,000 for every home game he misses due to his vaccination status. If Irving misses all 41 home games, he would miss out on over $15 million.

Irving has not commented publicly about his vaccination status, saying he would prefer to "keep that stuff private." A number of people — including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio — have urged Irving to receive the vaccine.

Kyrie Irving with the Nets.
Kyrie Irving will miss Friday's game due to his vaccination status. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images)