The Brooklyn Nets decided not to let Kyrie Irving play this season.
Kyrie didn’t take the COVID vaccine and won’t be allowed to play until he does. The announcement was made today, October 12. As reported on Fox, Nets general manager Sean Marks released a statement about the matter. Sean said,
“Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant.” Sean continued,
“Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose. Currently, the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability.”
The publication also reports initially; the Nets were preparing to start the season without Kyrie playing home games due to the New York City health mandates. He would have missed 41 games and was granted permission to practice with the team at the NY facility. However, today’s decision makes Kyrie ineligible for any team activity until he complies.
The article also reports Kyrie hasn’t confirmed his vaccine status. He asked the media for privacy regarding the situation during the Nets media week.
Kyrie didn’t publicly speak on it as of yet, but he tweeted this earlier in the week:
I am protected by God and so are my people. We stand together.
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) October 9, 2021
Take a look at some social media reactions:
I 100% stand with Kyrie Irving. He has the financial means to survive a suspension. Will he be able to survive the evil media onslaught coming his way? Now he needs the people to fight alongside him.
David beat Goliath, folks… pic.twitter.com/kXIoWmgRzW
— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) October 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/90sstoners/status/1447933334219329546?s=21
Kyrie is selfish. Needs to be a team player. He spent time at his sisters party past year, without notice to the team. Vaxx or trade him. Point blank.
— Mike Lee 💪🏽 (@mikeleefitlife) October 12, 2021
Selfish because he don’t want to be vaccinated. You don’t make any sense.
— Mike Brown (@MikeBro79514422) October 12, 2021
He’s definitely got a right to not get vaccinated. They Nets also have a right to not play him. You can’t have a part time super star, especially at the PG position. They are doing the right thing for the TEAM. Set aside your personal opinion. It’s the right move for the team.
— Deshawn (@AvocadoDeshawn) October 12, 2021