Kyrie Irving is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, but hasn’t played at all this season due to his refusal to get a COVID-19 vaccine. New York City has strict mandates in place in regards to these vaccine requirements, but Irving still hasn’t budged at all to get any shots.
Irving initially went on Instagram Live in October to explain his situation. He claimed that he isn’t against vaccines at all, but he is against mandates of the vaccines. Irving explained how he wants to stand up for people who’ve lost their jobs over not being comfortable to take these COVID vaccines.
New Info Surfaces About Kyrie’s Vaccine Stance
According to NBA reporter, Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, of Bally Sports, there is now more to Irving’s belief about his COVID-19 vaccine situation. He is reportedly not trusting the vaccines available at all, but didn’t want to make comments that would make him be viewed as an anti-vaxxer.
“Those closest to him also have shared that Irving knows anything he says will be magnified and scrutinized and he doesn’t want to be viewed as an anti-vaxxer. He’s not taking this stance to be a voice for the voiceless. He’s just not trusting of the available vaccines, according to sources.
Irving also does not want to get vaccinated because of bad experiences with his health due to basketball injuries over the years.”
Kyrie Asked Critics To Respect His Choice To Remain Unvaccinated
While Irving continues to decide to not get vaccinated, miss games, and not be around his Brooklyn Nets teammates he maintained his stance of making the decision that he made. During his Instagram Live session, Irving said this is the choice that is best for his life. He also shut down speculation that due to this mandate, he would end up retiring from the NBA.
“This is about my life and what I am choosing to do,” Irving said referring to his decision to not take the COVID-19 vaccine. The financial consequences, I know I do not want to even do that.”
“But it is reality that in order to be in New York City, in order to be on a team, I have to be vaccinated. I chose to be unvaccinated, and that was my choice, and I would ask you all to just respect that choice.”
Kyrie Irving address his stance on not getting the vaccine on IG Live: “It’s about choosing what’s best for you. You think I really want to lose money? You think I really want to give up on my dream to go after a championship? You think I really just want to give up my job?” pic.twitter.com/cYHCWGbnCo
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 14, 2021
Anti-Vaxx Protests Were Held In Brooklyn
In October, a few weeks after Irving went on IG Live protestors surfaced outside of the Barclays Center which is the home of the Nets. Many of the people in the crowd had signs that supported Irving, and many even attempted to get inside the venue.
This all occurred hours before the Nets were scheduled to play in their home opener for the 2021-22 NBA season. At this point, Kyrie still hasn’t stepped on the court for Brooklyn, and it appears that this may not be the case at all this season. This has since led many to believe that Irving could get traded, to another team.
