Brooklyn Nets Sideline Kyrie Irving for 2021-2022 NBA Season

The Brooklyn Nets have made a statement surrounding the future of embattled superstar Kyrie Irving, team manager Sean Marks today informing the media that Kyrie will ‘not play or practise’ until he is vaccinated.

‘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,’ Marks said in a statement Tuesday morning.

‘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.’

In August, New York enforced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, requiring all people 12 and older to present proof of vaccination for indoor dining, indoor fitness and entertainment activities. This of course extends to the Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets’ home court.

What this means for Kyrie’s Nike partnership remains unclear. Kyrie previously sparked controversy surrounding his upcoming Nike Kyrie 8, calling the shoe ‘trash’ on social media.

While the mercurial point guard is unquestioningly one of the most talented players in the league, it’s now clear the strategy of appeasement by the Brooklyn Nets has been canned (for now).

As always, keep it dialled to Sneaker Freaker for updates.

In the meantime, make sure to check out the sneakers that ruled the NBA season 2020/21!

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