(Cleveland) Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving has insisted the injury to teammate Kevin Durant doesn’t change his stance on refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
Posted yesterday at 10:23 p.m.
Irving, who returned to action recently after an impasse over his vaccination status, said Monday after the Nets’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers that he has no plans to get vaccinated – and that nothing will convince him.
“That’s the decision I made, and I’m not changing my mind,” Irving said.
The point guard, who played in seven All-Star Games, became the target of many because of this choice. Due to the sanitary measures in New York City regarding amphitheaters, Irving cannot play at home games.
His decision to remain unvaccinated has a dramatic impact on the Nets’ ability to claim the NBA championship. It was something that seemed certain when the club acquired Irving, Durant and James Harden.
With Durant potentially out for six weeks with a knee injury Saturday, Irving was asked if he felt more pressure to get a shot.
Irving made it clear he was not pushed to act.
“It will not happen for me,” he summed up.
“I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything. And even though we have to deal with Kev’s injury at the moment, I know that I am protected by the organization. I am protected by my teammates. I am protected by the doctors with whom I spoke. »
Irving led the Nets with 27 points in a 114-107 loss to the Cavaliers. He was playing his fourth game this season for the Nets, who have struggled with injuries — and other distractions — since snapping up Harden to play with Irving and Durant.