Kyrie Irving reveals he ‘gave up’ $100m Brooklyn Nets extension to remain unvaccinated
Kyrie Irving (11 Brooklyn Nets) during the National Basketball Association game
The point guard told reporters at the start of training camp that he felt the Nets gave him an “ultimatum” over his future.
Kyrie Irving has said he decided to remain unvaccinated despite the opportunity to sign a long-term contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
Brooklyn entered a new era when Irving and Kevin Durant joined in 2019, before James Harden was traded from the Houston Rockets.
Many made the Nets favourites to win the NBA championship when Durant returned from a long-term injury for 2020-21, however, the incredible trio were rarely all available at the same time.
Harden has since been dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Nets were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum last season.
Kevin Durant x Kyrie Irving. ?
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 26, 2022
(via @APOOCH)
pic.twitter.com/3hGGk15mbm
As he opted not to take the COVID-19 vaccine, Irving was unable to play in home games last season until New York City's vaccine mandate was lifted in March.
Vaccine requirements in other cities stopped the former Cleveland Cavaliers guard from playing in certain road games, as well.
He played 29 games in 21-22, averaging 27.4 points, 5.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds.
Despite losing out on a reported $100million, Irving will earn $36.5m in 22-23 before potentially becoming a free agent next year.
Speaking on Monday, the one-time NBA champion said his decision to remain unvaccinated forced him to turn down a big-money extension with the Nets.
"I gave up four years, 100-and-something million deciding to be unvaccinated and that was the decision," Irving said.
"[Get this] contract, get vaccinated or be unvaccinated and there's a level of uncertainty of your future, whether you're going to be in this league, whether you're going to be on this team, so I had to deal with that real-life circumstance of losing my job for this decision."
Brooklyn Nets Point Guard Kyrie Irving on choosing to remain unvaccinated: “I gave up 4 years, $100-something million deciding to be unvaccinated. I had to deal with that real life circumstance of losing my job."pic.twitter.com/CnsCX0dDkw
— Breaking Digest (@breaking_digest) September 26, 2022
Irving revealed that he was expecting to pen a new long-term contract last year.
"We were supposed to have all that figured out before training camp last year," Irving said. "And it just didn't happen because of the status of me being vaccinated, unvaccinated.
"So, I understood their point and I had to live with it. It was a tough pill to swallow, honestly.
"I felt like I was forced with an ultimatum of whether or not I had a contract or not, whether or not I can be on the team [based on] whether or not I was vaccinated. I was definitely put in that position where I had to make that decision."
Irving also admitted that he believes his public image has been negatively affected by his decision to not get vaccinated.
"I didn't appreciate how me being unvaccinated, all of a sudden, came to be a stigma within my career that I don't want to play," he said.
Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks has disputed Irving's take on things, however.
"There's no ultimatum being given here," Marks said.
If I can work and be unvaccinated, then all of my brothers and sisters who are also unvaccinated should be able to do the same, without being discriminated against, vilified, or fired. ♾??
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) September 20, 2022
This enforced Vaccine/Pandemic is one the biggest violations of HUMAN RIGHTS in history.
"Again, it goes back to you want people who are reliable, people who are here, and accountable. All of us: staff, players, coaches, you name it.
"It's not giving somebody an ultimatum to get a vaccine. That's a completely personal choice.
"Two summers ago, when we were talking about contract negotiations, that was pre-city wide mandates that went in.
"Once the vaccine mandates came in, you knew how that'd affect playing home games. That's when contract talks stalled. It didn't get to, 'Here's the deal, now take it back'. That never happened."
Recommended Offers
£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get £10 in Free Bets
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
