The two biggest names in the NBA right now are Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving — and it’s for all the wrong reasons.
Regarding the latter, specifically, he has left the Nets, and all his teammates, hanging in light of his refusal to take the vaccine, apparently motivated by his desire to protest the loss of jobs over protocols rather than anything he has aginst the shot itself.
No matter your feelings on the vaccine and the mandates in place (which are especially strict in New York City), it leaves the Brooklyn Nets in a bad place, as they not only have to come to terms with their star being unplayable but must also juggle the distraction this story will bring all year long.
There have been a few voices who have gone against the crowd, though, in support of Irving and his controversial stance. One of his former teammates, J.R. Smith, made himself one of them after sending the following Tweet on Thursday:
https://twitter.com/TheRealJRSmith/status/1448638418846732294
Despite J.R. having faded from the NBA spotlight (he retired in 2020), fans were disappointed with his position and made sure to let him know about it in the comments.
https://twitter.com/AlexStanek/status/1448639592907825156
He's basically opposing a public health intervention that's designed to SAVE lives
So it follows that if he succeeds more people (mostly people of color) will DIE unnecessarily
Hooray for Kyrie
— Sbuda@lyf (@Realsoro1) October 14, 2021
JR you need to take a biology elective my guy
— burratskis (@burratskis) October 14, 2021
God damnit man I was really starting to enjoy following your journey
— bz (@BryNoLie) October 14, 2021
— Waiting for botw2 💍 (@Dubs_Curry) October 14, 2021
Tf you proud of ??? pic.twitter.com/JnOOeRX3KB
— VizueIz 🫧🪽🪼 (@OpiumDoncic) October 14, 2021
This shit is disappointing
— Bobson Dugnutt (@cazador212_) October 14, 2021
come on man
— clark (@clark______) October 14, 2021
This is sad to see you post.
— David Bussom (@David_B_Art) October 14, 2021
Dude. I was rooting for you but this is really disappointing.
— Cdf3321 (@cdf3321) October 14, 2021
The important thing to note here is that neither Kyrie nor JR said they were anti-vaxx, so there’s no reason to think they don’t support the science behind the shot.
In reality, it seems like both of them are pro-choice, meaning they don’t want the government, or anyone/anything else, dictating what they do with their body.
Whatever the case, Kyrie’s stance doesn’t just impact him, it also has dire consequences for the Nets, who are having to deal with the fallout from not having their star player for an entire season.
At this point, only time will tell how this saga will end, but it’s clear that not everyone disagrees with Uncle Drew’s actions.
