Jordan backs NBA's COVID-19 vaccination stance

The NBA said unvaccinated players must comply with a long list of restrictions to play in games and take part in team activities such as practice.

Jordan, who currently owns the Charlotte Hornets, said he was not concerned by the league's protocols.

Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan said he was a "firm believer in science" and that backed the National Basketball Association's (NBA) stance on COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of the new season starting on October 19.

The NBA said unvaccinated players must comply with a long list of restrictions to play in games and take part in team activities such as practice.

US media reported earlier this month that 95% of players have had at least one shot but some players, including Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving, have not said publicly if they have been vaccinated.

Jordan, who played 13 seasons with the Bulls winning six championships and currently owns the Charlotte Hornets, said he was not concerned by the league's protocols.

"Not at all. I'm total in unison with the league," Jordan said on NBC's Today show.

"I'm a firm believer in science and I'm going to stick with that and hopefully everybody abides by whatever the league sets the rules.

"I think once everybody buys in, we're going to be fine."

The new season is going ahead despite concerns over the contagious delta variant of the novel coronavirus that has hit those who are unvaccinated particularly hard.