Orlando Magic star Jonathan Isaac was already a compelling story this season. His return from a terrible ACL injury last season made him a player to watch. Unfortunately, all of that has been overshadowed by his reluctance to take coronavirus vaccine.
Isaac railed against what he viewed as shoddy journalism during this week's Magic media day after being included on a list of anti-vax NBA players put out by Rolling Stone.
"I was pretty badly misrepresented," Isaac said. "I appreciate [the journalists] who try their best to share the thoughts, ideas and the heart of the people they are asking questions of."
Jonathan Isaac shares his full thoughts on vaccinations and addresses the Rolling Stone article.
— Beyond the RK (@beyondtheRK) September 27, 2021
"I'm not anti-vax. I'm not anti-medicine. I'm not anti-science. I didn't come to my current vaccination status by studying black history or watching Donald Trump press conferences." pic.twitter.com/EvT4KwGJwx
Isaac said that he has nothing but respect for healthcare workers, noting that his mother worked in healthcare. And he stressed that he's happy the vaccine is available for those who want it.
"I'm not anti-vax. I'm not anti-medicine. I'm not anti-science," he said. "I didn't come to my current vaccination status by studying black history or watching Donald Trump press conferences."
In spite of all that, Isaac is not sold on the vaccine. He admitted he has already contracted COVID-19 and trusts his own age, fitness and natural immunity to protect him from severe reactions. He also said he was worried about the rare chance that he might have an adverse reaction to the vaccine.
"I've had COVID in the past," he said. "Our understanding of antibodies, of natural immunity has changed a great deal from the onset of the pandemic and is still evolving."
Jonathan Isaac shares that he's had Covid in the past when answering a question on vaccine hesitancy. pic.twitter.com/acwqXgjhEA
— Beyond the RK (@beyondtheRK) September 27, 2021
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