Trevor James
The Philadelphia 76ers' defensive star Matisse Thybulle was ruled ineligible to play in at least three games of the first-round series against the Toronto Raptors in April 2022. Thybulle's ineligibility was due to his vaccination status, as Canada requires visitors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country. This mandate also applies to professional athletes, and unvaccinated players from other teams have faced similar issues when playing in Toronto or New York. While the 76ers have not confirmed their team vaccination status, Thybulle's absence in these games suggests that he may not be vaccinated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Toronto |
| Team | 76ers |
| Player | Matisse Thybulle |
| Games Ineligible To Play | 3, 4, 6 |
| Vaccine Type | Johnson & Johnson |
| Time Since Vaccination | Two weeks |
| Number of Shots | Two |
| Vaccination Status | Not vaccinated |
| Reason | Personal choice |
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What You'll Learn
Matisse Thybulle ineligible to play in Toronto
Matisse Thybulle, a defensive star for the Philadelphia 76ers, was ruled ineligible to play in Games 3, 4, and 6 of the first-round series against the Toronto Raptors in April 2022. Thybulle's COVID-19 vaccination status was the reason for his ineligibility.
Canada's border vaccination requirement, which came into effect on January 15, 2022, mandates that individuals must be fully vaccinated before entering the country. This rule applies to all travelers, including athletes and performers. Unvaccinated foreign nationals are prohibited from entering Canada, and exemptions for professional athletes have been removed.
Matisse Thybulle's vaccination status was initially unclear, with the Philadelphia 76ers declining to comment on whether their team was fully vaccinated. However, Thybulle was eventually listed as "ineligible to play" on the NBA injury report for the game in Toronto. Thybulle himself confirmed that he was not fully vaccinated, stating that he preferred to manage COVID-19 holistically. He understood the consequences of his decision and accepted that it could impact his career.
Thybulle's ineligibility to play in Toronto could have significant implications for the 76ers' playoff series against the Raptors. His absence in road games would be a blow for the team, and it could cost them their first-round series. It is important to note that Thybulle's situation is not unique, and other teams and players, such as the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving, have also faced similar issues due to vaccination status.
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Thybulle's decision impacts the 76ers
Matisse Thybulle, a defensive star for the Philadelphia 76ers, has decided against getting vaccinated for COVID-19. This decision has rendered him ineligible to play in at least Games 3, 4, and 6 of the first-round series against the Toronto Raptors in the NBA playoffs. Thybulle's vaccination status became a concern when the 76ers faced the possibility of playing road games in Toronto, where players must be fully vaccinated to enter the country.
Thybulle's choice not to get vaccinated stems from his upbringing in a holistic household, where he was taught to make decisions he believes are right for himself, even if they may be unpopular. He felt that his holistic approach to medicine provided him with a solid foundation of medical resources beyond what the COVID-19 vaccine could offer. Additionally, Thybulle believed that even vaccinated individuals could spread the disease, so getting vaccinated was not necessary to protect others.
Thybulle's decision has had significant repercussions for himself and the 76ers. He acknowledged that his choice could hurt the team, his reputation, and his future earnings. For the 76ers, Thybulle's unavailability for crucial playoff games could impact their performance and potentially cost them the series. Coach Doc Rivers had to adjust his lineup, opting to start Danny Green over Thybulle to address spacing issues.
While Thybulle's decision is a personal choice, it has undoubtedly impacted the 76ers' playoff strategy and highlighted the importance of vaccination in professional sports leagues like the NBA. The situation also underscores the challenges teams face when balancing individual player decisions with the team's overall success. As the 76ers navigate this situation, they must rely on other players to step up and fill the void created by Thybulle's absence on the court.
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Thybulle's vaccination status
Matisse Thybulle, a defensive star for the Philadelphia 76ers, has received only one dose of the Pfizer vaccine. He has chosen not to get the second dose, stating that he did not "see any benefits outweighing what [he] could seek from alternative medicine." Thybulle also claimed that getting vaccinated was not something he needed to do to protect himself or others. This decision has rendered him ineligible to play in at least Games 3, 4, and 6 of the 76ers' first-round series against the Toronto Raptors, as Canada requires visitors to be fully vaccinated.
Thybulle's choice has sparked criticism, with some labelling him as "badly informed" and "self-absorbed." His decision has also been compared to that of other athletes, such as Carson Wentz and Aaron Rodgers, who have also refused to get vaccinated. Thybulle's stance has cost him playing time in the postseason and may have impacted the 76ers' performance in the playoffs.
Thybulle, however, stands firm in his decision, stating that he considered the various avenues and accepted the potential consequences, including the impact on his money, contracts, and reputation. He also attributed his choice to his upbringing, stating that he was raised in a holistic household that utilized Chinese medicine and naturopathic doctors.
While Thybulle's decision has drawn mixed reactions, it is essential to respect individual choices regarding personal health. The 76ers organization and Coach Doc Rivers have navigated this situation by focusing on team preparedness and adaptability, emphasizing the "next man up" mentality.
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Canada's entry requirements
As of October 1, 2022, Canada no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry into the country. In addition, the following COVID-19-related entry requirements have been lifted:
- Submission of a negative COVID-19 test upon entering Canada
- Mandatory quarantine
- Random testing upon arrival
However, it is still strongly recommended that travellers wear well-constructed and well-fitted masks or respirators during their journey to Canada. If travellers experience any COVID-19 symptoms during their travel to Canada or upon arrival, they should inform the relevant staff or a border services officer. They may then be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.
Prior to the lifting of COVID-19 entry requirements, travellers were required to complete an online health form and provide basic personal and contact information. Vaccinated travellers were exempt from certain entry requirements, such as quarantine and day-8 testing. Foreign nationals were considered fully vaccinated if they had received the last dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before departure.
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The NBA's stance on vaccination
The NBA has encouraged its players to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In December 2022, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that the league was about 97% vaccinated, and almost 65% had received a booster shot. However, the NBA has not made vaccinations mandatory for its players.
Some players, like Matisse Thybulle of the Philadelphia 76ers, have chosen to remain unvaccinated. Thybulle's decision cost him playing time during the postseason, as he was ineligible to play in Toronto against the Raptors. To enter Canada, players must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which means being two weeks removed from the second dose of a two-shot vaccine or the first shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Thybulle acknowledged the consequences of his decision and stated that he felt it was the right choice for himself.
While the NBA has not mandated vaccinations for its players, some teams have voluntarily shared their vaccination status. For example, the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks confirmed that their teams were fully vaccinated. On the other hand, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers initially declined to comment on their vaccination status when asked by ESPN.
The NBA's approach to vaccinations has been a balance between encouraging players to get vaccinated for the greater good, as Coach Doc Rivers advocated, and respecting individual choices, as players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have emphasized.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Canada and attend a 76ers game.
Yes, it is recommended that you show proof of vaccination to ensure smooth entry to the game.
To be considered fully vaccinated in Canada, one must be two weeks past a single shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two weeks past the second shot of a two-dose vaccine.
No, there are currently no exemptions to the vaccination requirement for foreign nationals entering Canada, including professional athletes.
It is recommended that you contact the ticket provider or the 76ers organization directly to inquire about their refund policy for such cases.
