Gonzaga suspends former NBA star Stockton’s season ticket because of mask rule

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) – Gonzaga has suspended John Stockton’s basketball season tickets after the Hall of Fame point guard refused to comply with the university’s mask-wearing policy.

Stockton, one of Gonzaga’s most prominent alums, confirmed the move in a Saturday interview with The Spokesman-Review.

“It basically comes from them asking me to wear a mask when I go to games and be a public figure, someone a little more visible, I’ll focus on the crowd a little bit. ,” Stockton said. “And so they get complaints and how they feel from whatever their superiors – those things are not discussed, but from anything at the higher ups – they will have to ask. I wear a mask or they will suspend my activity. ticket.”

Stockton has resisted the COVID-19 vaccine, requiring masks and other protective measures. Last June, he participated in a documentary titled “COVID and Vaccines: Truths, Lies, and Misconceptions Revealed”.

In an interview with Spokane, Stockton claimed there is no evidence that more than 100 professional athletes have died after being vaccinated against COVID-19.

“I think it’s very well documented now, I believe there are 150 dead professional athletes – professional athletes – the peak of their lives, people who died being vaccinated. , right on the field, right on the field, right on the field. ,” said Stockton.

Experts told the AP that there is “no scientific evidence” that either COVID-19 or the mRNA vaccine increases sudden cardiac arrest, commonly known as SCA, in athletes.

The false claim that large numbers of athletes are collapsing or dying from COVID-19 vaccines have circulated on social media for months, especially among anti-vaccination circles, and have been criticized by experts. medical experts denied.

Meanwhile, public health experts say masks are the most important and effective virus prevention tool when worn by many people.

In a statement, Gonzaga officials said they are committed to implementing health and safety protocols, including the regulation of masks in the home. The university also requires proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test taken in the last 72 hours to attend sporting events at home. In order to enforce his mask duty, Gonzaga has suspended the sale of his food and drink at the games.

“We will not talk about specific actions taken against any particular individual,” the statement read. “We take the enforcement of COVID-19 health and safety protocols very seriously and will continue to evaluate how we can best reduce the risks posed by COVID-19 with the appropriate measures. ”

Stockton played for Gonzaga from 1980 to 1984, when Zags was a middleweight program never had a better record than 17-11. The team has since retired No. 12. A life-size poster of Stockton in action hangs in the lounge of the McCarthey Sports Center, part of Gonzaga’s gallery of greats.