Kyrie Irving Won’t Get $186M Extension If He Remains Unvaccinated

Kyrie Irving is in a bit of hot water, and it could cost him big time. The professional basketball player refuses to get vaccinated and now he’s out of games, and he could be suffering when it comes to his finances on top of that.

Irving of The Brooklyn Nets stated that choosing not to get the Covid-19 vaccination is what feels right to him. These statements were made this week via an Instagram livestream and it certainly got the attention of many. He stated specifically:

“This is about my life and what I am choosing to do…The financial consequences, I know I do not want to even do that…But it is reality that in order to be in New York City, in order to be on a team, I have to be vaccinated. I chose to be unvaccinated, and that was my choice, and I would ask you all to just respect that choice…

“I am going to just continue to stay in shape, be ready to play, be ready to rock out with my teammates and just be part of this whole thing. This is not a political thing; this is not about the NBA, not about any organization. This is about my life and what I am choosing to do.”

Advertising

Advertising

Of course, he urges that he is not for vaccines and he isn’t against them. Irving wants it to be clear that this is a personal choice and it should be regarded as such by one and all. The NBA do not see it as he does, however.

It was just about a day ago that the Brooklyn Nets announced that while he remains in violation of the vaccination rules set up by New York City, he will not be playing in any upcoming games. In addition to this, the Athletic reports that he won’t be getting the $186 million contract extension he was promised either.

Of course cases like this are popping up in many industry around the world and not just is sports, but it has certainly kicked up quite the bit of controversy. General manager Sean Marks stated of the matter:

“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…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.”

We will continue monitoring this ongoing story here at Thirsty. Odds are there will be a lot to unpack in this entire situation before everything is said and done.