Kyrie Irving Admits COVID Vaccine Drama Distracted Nets After Being Swept In Playoffs

Kyrie Irving’s anti-vaccination stance became a media circus throughout the NBA season. The Brooklyn star refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine, resulting in him missing a large portion of the Nets’ season. Kyrie insisted throughout the year that he’d rather not play than get the jab. Now, he is admitting that it ultimately hurt his squad.

The Boston Celtics easily swept the Nets four games to none in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Kyrie spoke to the media after the game about his thoughts. Irving said he felt like he was letting the team down by creating a huge distraction.

“It was just really heavy emotionally this season. We all felt it. I felt like I was letting the team down at a point where I wasn’t able to play.”

We were trying to exercise every option for me to play, but I never wanted it to just be about me. And I think it became a distraction at times.”

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Kyrie Irving was banned from the Nets practice facility and games for months due to his choice not to get the vaccine. Eventually, he was allowed to play away games. Towards the end of the season, the state of New York allowed Kyrie to play at Barclays Center.

A deep playoff run seemed like a no-brainer for a talented Nets team. Unfortunately, between Kyrie Irving’s vaccine drama and a blockbuster trade for Ben Simmons going bust, it just was not in the cards. Now, Kyrie will have to wait until next year to take another shot at a title.

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