Brooklyn Nets Kyrie Irving is not allowed to play until eligible. Nets general manager Sean Marks said Tuesday that Irving’s decision not to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate left the organization with their “hands tied”. Until Irving is fully able to participate, the Nets weren’t left with many choices.
“Yes, ultimately,” Marks said. “He had a choice, and he made it. My job is to make the best decisions for the organization going forward. These decisions aren’t always popular, but they are necessary. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Kyrie either to decide not to be with his teammates.”
Nets GM Sean Marks statement on Brooklyn's decision to sit Kyrie Irving until he fulfills NYC vaccination rules: pic.twitter.com/4LBIQXt7al
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 12, 2021
The Brooklyn Nets Making Best Decision for The Team
Early this week, the Nets released a statement from Marks stating that the team will allow Irving to have “part-time availability”. However, he would be welcomed with open arms back. That is, after he complied with New York City’s mandate.
The vaccine mandate has been effective since last month. The mandate states that anyone entering an indoor gym must have had at least one COVID-19 shot. As a result, Irving wouldn’t be able to play in 43 regular-season games. There are 41 games that take place at the Barclays and two preseason games. Marks confirmed the amount of money Irving would be sacrificing if he doesn’t set foot on the court for half of the season. The Nets are penalizing Irving roughly $380,000 per game, via ESPN.
The organization made the right move in their eyes going forward regarding the whole Irving dilemma. This problematic issue has been around since training camp for the Nets when he joined the media from home because he couldn’t join the team physically.
Kyrie Irving will not be offered a contract extension by the Nets moving forward, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/3pJdjqSTIU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 13, 2021
“We’re just trying to navigate this thing,” Nets coach Steve Nash said before Monday’s game when asked why the team chose to leave Irving at home. “We don’t really know what’s going to happen tomorrow. So I think really it’s … we’re just trying to take our time to figure out what everything means.”
Kyrie Irving’s Message to Set the Record Straight
Irving put his foot down as he ensures that the final decision will be his decision.
“Kyrie has made it clear that he has a choice, and it’s up to him to decide,” Marks stated. “We respect his right to choose, and we’re focused on what’s best for the organization. I won’t speak on Kyrie’s behalf, but I’m sure he will express his thoughts and decisions when the time is right.”
