Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, criticized the announcement that the Oklahoma City Thunder will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours  of fans to attend home games:

“By requiring vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test, the Oklahoma City Thunder and its management are pushing an agenda of fear. Not only is this policy draconian, but it is also selfish because there is already a shortage of COVID-19 tests. Testing those without symptoms to attend a basketball game will only put more of a strain on the availability of the tests.

On September 18, the University of Oklahoma hosted Nebraska in front of just under 85,000 fans. None of these fans were required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.

“If the Oklahoma City Thunder and their leadership are unwilling to revise this policy, we need to reexamine the significant tax benefits granted to them by the state when they first moved here under the Quality Jobs Act,” said Roberts. “We also need to consider passing legislation prohibiting discrimination based on vaccination status or having an immunity passport as Montana has done.

“Maybe we should look at how these funds could be better used in support of our rural community hospitals that are now struggling due to Biden administration vaccination policies.”