This was not supposed to happen. It was quite mind-boggling to think that this could have happened. This is the moment when the 75th season of one of the most popular leagues in sports is being sabotaged. It's happened after some of these very same men demonstrated that it was possible to play basketball safely during a pandemic.
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The problem is with those who oppose the shot. They think their own self-interests are more important than science and the advancement of humanity. However, they still want things to return to normal as quickly as possible. Their narcissism is so evident that it blinds us to the fact that they are the ones holding us back.
The pied piper of NBA antivaxxers Kyrie Irving took part in Monday's Media Day availability via Zoom. We all knew why even though he said it was private. He will not be able play in any home games this season if the vaccine isn't given to him. As Irving's comments began to spread on social media, it became clear that Irving is not only a potential threat to his team but to the entire league.
Irving said, "This is the last thing that I want to create,".
A recent Rolling Stone report placed Irving in the middle of an anti-vaxxer group in the league who are challenging the mandates and protocols that the league and the states have established. According to the report, despite the fact that 99 percent of WNBA players have been vaccinated, or while watching as the NFL's anti-vaxxers fought back, at least fifty to sixty NBA players have not received a single vaccine dose.
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Kyries aunt Tyki Irving told the Rolling Stone that there are many other players who are opting out. It could be as simple as every third game. It still allows you to be interactive and on the court for a full season, but you have to accept the limitations they place upon you. The NBA and players may be able to come up with a formula that works.
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The anti-vaxxers' comments grew more absurd as the day progressed. However, they were also very informative. Their language was a mixture of bravado and self-assurance.
Bradley Beal, a man who has the virus and was unable to participate in the Olympics due to it, asked me the following question: Why are you still getting COVID, Bradley Beal?
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Andrew Wiggins said to reporters that it was not his business.
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Players often talk about the brotherhood or fraternity that is the NBA. This elite group of players has reached the highest levels of their sport and are in a position where nobody understands their struggles except them. The anti-vaxxers' actions are counter-productive considering what their brothers have endured due to COVID-19. Jayson Tatum requires an inhaler. Devin Booker lost the ability to smell and taste things. Karl-Anthony Towns lost the mother of his father, six family members and 50 pounds. Cedric Ceballos, who spent 20 days in the ICU with COVID, called it quits.
Irving expects us to believe, however, that vaccines that were created to save lives in the event of a global pandemic are somehow private matters.
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The context of being in a gray zone is losing its value in an age where it seems like everyone wants you to choose sides. COVID vaccinations, however, are not a subject that can be viewed in a strict black-and-white manner. You can be selfless enough to get the shot or selfish enough to not realize the importance of it. But, COVID vaccinations aren't a subject that is strictly black and white. Take, for example, what he said to the New York Daily News earlier in the year.
Serving people all over the globe brings me deeper emotions. It's something I have done since I was a child. He explained his many charitable efforts and continued on after basketball in an ironic title, Kyrie Irving is putting the humanity first.
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Irving is where the famous proverb "great power comes with great responsibility" comes into play. This is why he gets most of the attention. Irving has been a leader in his charity work, including feeding the hungry and bankrolling WNBA players who opted out of The Bubble. He also bought a house to support George Floyds family. This means people will follow him no matter what, even if it is far from the end of the Earth.
Even if you have been vaccinated, you must still wear the mask in all other locations. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic forward, asked Rolling Stone: "OK, so what's the mask for?" Funny thing is that Issac was not afraid to take the word of doctors after he had surgery. Kyrie may say that because he is in the NBPA's executive position, but kudos!
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Kyrie is Kyries greatest foe. His stupid and willful decisions have made him a catalyst for hoopla and endless Twitter conversations. We have become an audience for a man who succeeds and fails on a public stage. Every hit and miss on and off the court is fascinating to watch. One thing is clear, Kyrie Irving doesn't know what he's doing.
