All is not right in Brooklyn when it comes to Kyrie Irving. After the Nets announced last week that Kyrie would not be an active participant for the team until he decides to get vaccinated, Irving took to social media to clarify his stance but doubling down on his decision not take the vaccine.
Irving has received a lot of criticism, especially from the media, over his decision not to take the vaccine. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has been especially harsh, calling him out for ‘betraying’ Kevin Durant and the Nets.
One aspect of this situation that is odd is the fact that players not playing in a New York team can play in the city despite not being vaccinated. But for players playing for a New York team, they cannot play without being vaccinated.
Stan Van Gundy took to Twitter to question this rule. Van Gundy has not been kind to Kyrie, calling him out for his comments after the Nets said they wouldn’t play him. But even he doesn’t see how fair it is for other unvaccinated players to be able to play in the city.
https://twitter.com/realstanvg/status/1450113746232295426
“I am not a supporter of Kyrie Irving’s decision to not get vaccinated BUT it seems unfair that whether an unvaccinated player can play or not depends on what city he plays in. Other players have made the same decision to remain unvaccinated and get to play.”
The whole situation has been extremely polarizing, with people arguing for Kyrie and against him. Some believe that Kyrie is being irresponsible, especially in the face of a public health crisis by not taking the vaccine. On top of that, he is ignoring his responsibilities to his friends and teammates on the Nets.
Whereas others believe that Irving is being unfairly ostracized for a decision he is within his rights to take. As long as he understands the consequences, he can do what he feels is best for him.
Irving hasn’t ruled out taking the vaccine but isn’t expected to get vaccinated anytime. As long as he doesn’t take the shot, he cannot play with the Nets. The franchise will be hoping that he chooses to take the vaccine sooner rather than later.
