Well, it has finally happened. The Brooklyn Nets have officially had enough of Kyrie Irving’s antics and took a strong stance against him. They won’t allow him to partake in any team activities unless he’s vaccinated and clears all NBA protocols.
The controversial star wants to “be the voice of the voiceless” and that’s why he’s refusing to take the shot. Instead, he’ll forfeit his paycheck for all the home games he’s ineligible to play, regardless of if he likes it or not.
The Brooklyn Nets are locked and loaded and have one of the most stacked rosters in the NBA, and a recent reportshowed that they don’t need even need him on the court to be a legit contender.
Nets Won’tAllow Kyrie To Be A Part-Time Player
(Statement via Brooklyn Nets)
“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.
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.
It is imperative that we continue to build chemistry as a team and remain true to our long-established values of togetherness and sacrifice. Our championship goals for the season have not changed, and to achieve these goals each member of our organization must pull in the same direction. We are excited for the start of the season and look forward to a successful campaign that will make the borough of Brooklyn proud.”
Kevin Durant, James Harden, Had A Lot Of Weight On That Decision
Needless to say, that decision had to be consulted with both Kevin Durant and James Harden beforehand. And, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, they would have a lot to do with whatever the Nets decided to do with Kyrie:
(Transcript via Fadeaway World)
“This is a real moment of truth for the Nets as an organization. And you look at their stakeholders there. Obviously, owner Joe Tsai and Sean Marks the general manager. But Kevin Durant and James Harden who have a tremendous voice in this.
They all together, they’re going to be part of that decision about whether they’re going to allow Kyrie Irving if he doesn’t get vaccinated, and is ineligible to play home games, or play at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks. Are they going to let him be a part-time player. Are they going to let him in and out of the lineup the whole season. Miss games in the playoffs that are at home.
Or are they going to tell him that you’re either gonna be a full-time player, without accepting 40 some odd games this season from you. We don’t want the distraction. We need you to get vaccinated to play.
That’s the question that’s hanging over the Nets right now. And Kyrie Irving doesn’t get vaccinated, and that’s the decision they’re gonna have to make. I think there’s a lot riding on Kyrie’s short-term future in Brooklyn but his long-term future.”
Maybe there’s nothing personal there. They’re all friends and that’s not likely to change, but everybody’s got their priorities and agenda. Basketball clearly isn’t a priority for Kyrie, which is such a shame given he’s vastly talented.
