Kyrie Irving: Brooklyn Nets star says he’s unvaccinated, a day after his team says he won’t be allowed to play
Irving had till now refused to publicly disclose his vaccination standing, however on Tuesday, Nets normal supervisor Sean Marks stated he wouldn’t play or follow with the workforce till he met eligibility necessities.
“Kyrie has made a private alternative, and we respect his particular person proper to decide on. Presently the selection restricts his capacity to be a full-time member of the workforce, and we is not going to allow any member of our workforce to take part with part-time availability,” Marks stated.
“What would you do in case you felt uncomfortable going into the season while you had been promised that you’ve exemptions or that you did not have to be pressured to get the vaccine?” Irving stated. “This wasn’t a difficulty earlier than the season began. This wasn’t one thing that I foresaw coming the place I ready for it and had an opportunity to strategize on what was going to be finest for me and my household.”
Irving’s enjoying standing had been unsure
However the workforce issued its ultimatum Tuesday, saying Irving wouldn’t have the ability to play any video games for the Nets.
“It’s crucial that we proceed to construct chemistry as a workforce and stay true to our long-established values of togetherness and sacrifice,” Marks stated. “Our championship targets for the season haven’t modified, and to realize these targets every member of our group should pull in the identical route,” he stated.
“You assume I actually wish to surrender my dream to go after a championship?” Irving stated within the video Wednesday. “Do you assume I actually simply wish to surrender my job? You assume I actually simply wish to sit at dwelling and never go after the issues with my teammates that I have been in a position to develop with, to be taught with?”
Irving stated he has no intentions to retire. “Do not imagine that I am going to surrender this recreation for a vaccine mandate or staying unvaccinated,” he stated.
The Nets open their 2021-22 season on the street towards the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.
CNN’s Jill Martin, Jacob Lev, Jack Bantock and Ben Church contributed to this report.
