Kyrie’s Controversy

     Across the world COVID-19 has stimulated the controversy amongst multiple demographics, dividing people vigorously. Although it continues to quietly dismerge, COVID-19 continues to create arguments through its vaccine mandate and guidelines. The mandates are created by the CDC and have been promoted by United States president Joe Biden. The COVID-19 vaccine in America is required across multiple states for participation in sports activities and work. This has caused NBA star Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets to be ineligible to participate in home games, where he believes the vaccine harms his personal beliefs, paving the way for debate between ethics and laws.

         The controversy Covid 19 vaccinations has created ethically, has risen in popularity recently, as it has increasingly become an issue amongst jobs and entertainment. On October 13, 2021 Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving, spoke out on Instagram live, stating that he will not participate in the 2021-22 season, if he is mandated to get the vaccine. Irving says in the live “It’s about choosing what’s best for you, you think I really want to lose my money?” With his stance, he set precedent focusing on the vaccine and ethical value, and siding with his beliefs, creating  conversations all over the United States. This forced the Brooklyn Nets to deem Irving ineligible to participate in practice and games, until he decides to become a full participant and get vaccinated.  Although Iriving later stated he wasn’t against the vaccine itself, he has made it clear the mandate poses issues against what he believes in.

     Ultimately, today, it seems Irving has won the long battle.  As of December 17, 2021, the Nets, who faced challenges with the health of their players, decided to let Irving become a part time participant, playing only in away games. However, the cost of the decision came at the loss of Irving’s colleagues, and all star guard James Harden, who grew frustrated at Irving’s ideals and informally demanded for a trade away from the Brooklyn Nets. Alongside the loss of Harden, the Nets have faced adversity throughout the second half of the season, looking like a shell of their former selves. On the bright side, as COVID continues to dwindle down, and restrictions get removed, there is hope that Irving will soon be able to play both home and away games for the Brooklyn Nets, as on March 7, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City will remove its vaccination requirements, effective immediately. With 16 games in the regular season, the Nets look to revive their season, with Kyrie Irving and all-star forward Kevin Durant, alongside new members like  Simmons, Seth Curry and Andre Drummond, hoping to chase a championship for Brooklyn.