Two American Athletes Who Play Professionally In Iran Unable To Return To The Country

Two American athletes are unable to return to their jobs in Iran after being banned from the country — a result of Trump’s travel ban.

Joseph Jones and J.P. Prince, two American basketball players who currently play overseas in Iran, are unable to return to their jobs after Iran, in retaliation to the United States’ muslim ban, prohibited Americans from entering their country.

Jones and Prince were on a team-funded break in Dubai when Trump signed the executive order barring people from Iran and 6 other muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. In return, Iran banned those from the United States from entering Iran. While at first it would seem like no one would really have a desire to go to Iran, for Jones and Prince, their life and six-figure income is in that country.

“At the moment they are stranded,”Eric Fleisher, the agent for both players, told The Vertical. “It’s a real hardship.”

Both players stand to lose a substantial amount of money due to not being able to return to Iran. They could lose six-figures if they’re unable to complete the season.

“We are waiting for clarity from the team,” Fleisher said. “It’s tough. It doesn’t look like they can finish the season in Iran. It’s not good to be out of a job. Secondarily, all their things are in Iran. They can’t go back and get them. It’s been difficult.”