It looks like Kyrie Irving won’t be suiting up for the Brooklyn Nets anytime soon.
On Tuesday, Nets general manager Sean Marks released a statement saying Irving will not be allowed to practice or play in any games while unvaccinated.
In New York, a mandate requires professional athletes playing for a team in the city must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to play or practice in public venues.
“Kyrie’s made it clear that he has a choice in this matter and it’s ultimately going to be up to him what he decides,” Marks said. “We respect the fact that he has a choice, he can make his own and right now what’s best for the organization is the path that we’re taking.”
Teams are not allowed to reveal private details of players’ health. But Marks, when asked if Irving was vaccinated, said what many of us likely were already thinking.
“If he was vaccinated, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. I think that’s probably pretty clear.”
Kyrie is going to move how Kyrie wants to move. And I respect that about him. But this decision by Brooklyn isn’t about him, it’s about the team and the big picture.
With the Nets less than a week away from the start of their season, this story will continue to remain a hot topic. That’s just a reality.
Image Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
