Stan Van Gundy poked holes in Kyrie Irving's presumptive reasoning for refusing to get vaccinated.
Van Gundy, the former coach, and current TNT analyst, is the only thing I will disagree with. Right now, the anti-vax activists are not silent.
Florida is where I live, man. Our governor, Republican Ron DeSantis, is a prominent figure who makes laws to ensure that everyone has a choice. I don't believe those people are silent. They are extremely, very, very well, very, very present in our society at the moment. They aren't hidden. It's prominent politicians and elected leaders. He is not speaking for the voiceless. They have a voice.
Because of his vaccination stance, Irving has been a unlikely hero to conservatives. Right-wingers Ted Cruz and Donald Trump Jr. have tweeted their support. Irving has not been able to explain why he is so opposed to the vaccine. However, conservatives have embraced him by saying that mandates are causing people to lose their jobs in an Instagram Live session.
Irving replied, "You think I would give up my livelihood to fulfill a mandate?" Because I don't have accommodation? Because I am not vaccinated? You can't deny it. I'm not going to be used in this agenda.
It's not all about the Nets. It's not about the team. It's not about the NBA. It's not about politics. I'm not focusing on any one thing. It's all about freedom and doing what you want.
Irving was unable to play in home games because of NYC's vaccine mandate. The Nets expelled Irving to make way for him to play on the road.
According to The Athletic Irving refuses the jab because he wants the opportunity to speak for the voiceless.
I understand Kyrie's point of view, although not to a great extent, said Reggie Miller, a TNT analyst and NBA Hall of Famer. He is entitled to his opinion. He can do his research and do what he likes because it is his choice. We are talking about a team sport. He has every right not to get vaccinated, he is speaking for the voiceless, and he has an agenda. The Nets have an agenda too, and that is winning a championship. They have every right, and I agree that you can't be a part time employee and reap all the benefits.
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Van Gundy supported the NYC mandate and echoed Miller's sentiments.
Van Gundy stated that I agree with the actions of New York City. I am happy with the way the leagues handled this. I also agree with the Nets' handling of it. Kyrie has the right to make his own decisions, but there are consequences for everyone.
Miller ranked the Nets as the title favourites despite Irving's absence. It might just be a little more difficult.
It was four, four and four before this whole Kyrie situation. Moses Malone said it best: God rest his soul. No question, Miller said. They were hands down the best team. It was not even close. Let's suppose Kyrie doesn't play, or plays half of the games. If he returns or is traded, I still consider them my favorite. Perhaps a six-game series is possible. Perhaps a seven-game series.
