Brooklyn Nets star point guard Kyrie Irving went on Instagram Live Wednesday night to explain why he hasn't received the COVID-19 vaccine. Irving tried to explain that he's not an anti-vaxxer, but he believes it should be a personal choice and doesn't like how the vaccine is being mandated in certain places. Based on his words, him getting the vaccine anytime soon seems like a long shot, which means he won't be able to play for the Nets this season.
Sure enough, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium went on CNN Thursday morning and reiterated that Irving doesn't plan on getting the jab. Here's the segment:
"I'm told that Kyrie has no plans to get vaccinated. … He's leaving another $16M on the table as well as a potential $185M extension, so he stands to lose about $200M." — @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/6xYWVyHfqY
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 14, 2021
New York City currently has a mandate that requires Nets and New York Knicks (the Knicks are 100% vaccinated) players, among others, to be vaccinated for certain indoor events. Irving is clearly no fan of this and is apparently willing to give up a lot of money to not adhere to the mandate.
The Nets recently decided that Irving won't be allowed to be a part-time player, so he can't play in any games unless he gets the shot or the city lifts its mandate. There are no signs of New York doing this anytime soon.
There's also the possibility of an Irving trade, which can't be ruled out.
There are only about 20 NBA players left who are unvaccinated at this point, but Kyrie Irving is the only one who's affected by a local mandate. This is setting up to be quite the showdown.
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