The ongoing saga surrounding Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving took a surprising turn this week.
Irving has obviously been the subject of much debate as of late over his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Because of his steadfast position, he is unable to participate in his team’s home games. New York mandates that all pro athletes who practice or play indoors to show proof of at least one vaccine shot.
There was initially some chatter about Irving perhaps participating in the Nets’ away games only – but the front office quickly shut down that option.
At the moment, Irving appears to be in a state of semi-retirement.
Because Nets fans are eager to get Irving back and helping their squad compete for a championship, you can imagine their surprise when video leaked this week of him playing flag football.
TMZ got some footage of Kyrie Irving playing pickup football over the weekend
(h/t @_Talkin_NBA ) pic.twitter.com/OuGAjb6yMG
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) October 18, 2021
The reactions speak for themselves:
More committed to flag football than his current job as an NBA player lmao
— BBK (@xBBKx) October 18, 2021
This mf really playing a whole different sport while his team is on the plane on their way to Milwaukee, im done with Kyrie man
— Official||(0-0) and (5-1)| (@Officialj0nn) October 18, 2021
Give it two weeks and Kyrie gonna be saying the earth is football shaped pic.twitter.com/dqJj7sts0i
— OfficialVaticanBurner (@VaticanBurner) October 19, 2021
More effort in a different sport than the one that pays millions pic.twitter.com/7gMYhAJuER
— Depressed_Philly_Sports_Fan (@JaydenB_2k22) October 18, 2021
Earlier this week, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a rather blunt message to Irving about his playing status. Everyone from Chris Paul to James Harden to Karl-Anthony Towns has also weighed in on the situation. Folks have even taken an in-depth look at Irving’s girlfriend to see her role in his thought process.
Ronda Rousey’s personal photo goes viral. https://t.co/0hV1oXfhqR
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 19, 2021
Despite it all – Irving has remained consistent in his position. He is not getting vaccinated any time soon. And barring that changing at some point in the foreseeable future, fans better get used to seeing the Nets guard out and about just about everywhere other than a basketball court.
Related: Real Reason Nets Traded For James Harden
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
