Illawarra Hawks release import guard Travis Trice due to his desire to remain unvaccinated

The NBL is facing a major issue, with a host of players refusing to be vaccinated.

Another NBL player has parted ways with the league after refusing to be vaccinated. This time it’s Illawarra Hawks import guard Travis Trice. Picture: Daniel Kalisz / Getty Images

Another NBL player has parted ways with the league after refusing to be vaccinated – this time it’s Illawarra Hawks import guard Travis Trice.

Just a day after the New Zealand Breakers released Tai Webster following his desire to be unvaccinated, the Hawks have “mutually” moved on from Trice.

Trice signed a one-year deal with the Hawks in July for the upcoming 2021/22 NBL season, but the American star will no longer be travelling to Australia following a stint in Turkey to due to his vaccination beliefs.

Under current recommended regulations in Australia, citizens are encouraged to be vaccinated to enjoy freedoms like travelling.

The NBL won’t mandate vaccinations, but has made it clear players won’t be able to play in away games if they haven’t been jabbed.

As a result, the likes of Webster and now Trice have opted to leave the league.

Travis Trice has parted ways with the Illawarra Hawks due to his desire to remain unvaccinated. Picture: Daniel Kalisz / Getty Images

Hawks president and co-owner Dorry Kordahi understands Trice’s vaccination stance, but insists the club had to act.

“We fully respect Travis’ views and freedom of choice in regards to the vaccine, but being unvaccinated was going to result in numerous challenges, especially as we are still firmly in the midst of the pandemic,” Kordahi said about Trice, who has previously played with Cairns and Brisbane.

“I know our members and fans were looking forward to watching Travis [Trice] compete for our club, but sadly he will not be playing for the Illawarra Hawks this NBL season.

“We wish Travis all the best, but have immediately turned our attention to a replacement. We are currently exploring a number of viable options and we hope to have some good news in the coming weeks for our members and fans.”

It’s understood Illawarra officials discovered Trice didn’t want to be vaccinated a week ago.

The guard’s decision, and his departure from the Hawks, were confirmed on Tuesday.

“Sadly, I won’t be suiting up in a Hawks uniform this season,” Trice said.

“The decision was made in the best interests of both parties, and I wish the Hawks all the best for the upcoming season.”

Australian Basketball Players’ Association president Jacob Holmes said the ABPA will support any player’s decision to remain unvaccinated.

“The ABPA has been encouraging players to make informed decisions based on current, professional health advice,” Holmes said.

“We support players and their right to make individual choices based on their own personal and professional circumstances.”

Originally published as Illawarra Hawks release import guard Travis Trice due to his desire to remain unvaccinated