This week, we asked readers what message it sends to kids about sportsmanship and fair play when professional, “elite,” athletes and performers are given an exemption from COVID-19 vaccination rules, while employees like ticket sellers etc. at such venues are required to be vaccinated.

 

“The mandate should be equal across the board for the players as well as the community. That’s how I feel about it right now. Other than that, it’s crazy! You don’t know what’s going on from one day to the next. Things are changing too rapidly, and we’re not getting clear answers as to what’s going on. Are we taking a health risk by doing this? Is there a health risk out there for all the players as well as the spectators because they’re doing that?”

Joyce Johnson,

Norwood

 

“I think it tells children to be safe at home and to stay at home. I don’t think it’s fair. I think the proper thing to do is stay at home, yeah. I think to be at the proper place at the right time, you’ve got to know what you’re doing. If you’re going to mess up, you might as well mess up the right way. The same rules should apply for everybody. Yes, I think the mayor made the wrong decision. I’m a [Phoenix] Suns’ fan, but if the players wouldn’t get the vaccine, then I wouldn’t go.”

Henry Moreta,

Parkchester

 

“They want to bring more money into the economy in New York. They’re losing a lot of money and it will bring money back. It doesn’t teach kids anything at all. There’s no fair play; it’s all about money! It’s all about the money – power for dollars. But I’d still go see the Yankees, of course. I’m a Yankee fan. I’m fully vaccinated. I work at the stadium.”

 

Dishawn Smith,

Norwood

 

 “I think for older children who I believe are far more mature and savvy these days than when I was, say, 12 years old – I’m using my daughter as an example – people that generate money and that are extremely gifted and talented are going to receive special privileges in life. Life is not fair, and there are thousands of people that basically were forced to get a vaccine to save their jobs, and many refused and lost their jobs. The law, the way it was set up, was ridiculous because you had visiting players that were unvaccinated that were allowed to play. Meanwhile, a home team player was not allowed to play in the same arena. The law, itself, was flawed from its inception. I think as far as the original question, it gives kids a quick glimpse into the reality of things.”

Socrates Palmer Jr.,

Pelham Bay 

 

“I think that it’s biased, catered directly or indirectly by the mayor [Eric Adams] and the administration by that. What it shows our kids is that it’s good for one but not good for all. So, it creates a divide in the thinking and how they look at the overall social landscape. If you’re an athlete, you’re cool but if you’re a hard-working person, you’re not. It’s an unfair measure that the mayor took, and it confuses children when they look at the judgement aspect. Like what’s right and what’s wrong. Why is it okay for one but not the other?”

Russell Cheek,

Highbridge 

 

Editor’s Note: On Friday, April 8, The NY Daily News reported that the Yankees did not agree an 8-year contract extension for Aaron Judge, and the star will play 2022 on a one-year deal only. Judge has not said whether or not he is vaccinated.