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Nets Gives Kyrie An Ultimatum If He Wants To Play This Season

After the Brooklyn Nets released their decision on unvaccinated Kyrie Irving, the ball is now in his court when it comes to playing basketball this season

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving reacts during the second half of Game 1 of the team's NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, June 5, 2021, in New York. The Nets won 115-107. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Kyrie Irving’s vaccine drama has provided daily headlines for a while now. The Nets point guard has remained unvaccinated despite a New York mandate that would require him to get the shot if he’s going to play in home games this season.

To this point, Kyrie has showed up to team practices here and there with his future remaining uncertain. But now, he won’t be with the team at all if he continues to reject the vaccination.

Nets GM Sean Marks released a statement on Tuesday, saying that Kyrie Irving will not be allowed to participate in team activities until he gets the shot.

“Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant,” the Nets announced. “Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose. Currently the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability.”

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Sean Marks said the decision on Kyrie Irving’s status came from his and the team ownership.

Kyrie Irving spoke briefly on Media Day, and opted against speaking on his decision to remain unvaccinated.

However, Kevin Durant has maintained that he believes Kyrie will be a part of the team when push comes to shove.

If he stands by his guns, Kyrie Irving will now be leaving millions of dollars on the table. My guess is that he’ll cave and end up taking the vaccine.


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