Along with men's tennis star Novak Djokovic, Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets has been one of the most notable and outspoken superstar athletes when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine. Still unvaccinated, the seven-time All-Star missed a number of home games last season due to restrictions for unvaccinated people in New York City, though that changed in March.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced last week that he was scrapping private employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates as of Nov. 1. However, the coronavirus vaccination requirements for municipal employees are staying put for now, which prompted sharp criticism from Irving.
In a drama-filled offseason in Brooklyn, there was not only a trade request (and rescinding) from Kevin Durant, but a near move of "Uncle Drew" as well. Ultimately, both star players are running it back with the organization, but neither was given a contract extension this summer.
Irving is playing on a $37 million option, after his vaccination status got in the way of a possible long-term deal.
Kyrie Irving: "I gave up 4 years, 100-something million to be unvaccinated."
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) September 26, 2022
Kyrie Irving on contract discussions last season: "I felt like I was forced with an ultimatum of whether I was going to get a contract or not, whether I was going to be with the team, and whether I was going to be vaccinated."
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) September 26, 2022
Kyrie Irving on if he was close to leaving the Brooklyn Nets in the offseason: “Yeah. There were options but not many because the stigma of whether or not I wanted to play or whether or not I’m committed to the team, which I thought was really unfair at times.” pic.twitter.com/3YA16wZucg
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 26, 2022
The Nets open up their 2022-2023 regular season at 7:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
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