The Brooklyn Nets recently changed course when it comes to their stance on Kyrie Irving. At the beginning of the 2021-22 NBA season, they said that they would only use players that were eligible full-time.
Irving did not qualify. Because of the COVID-19 vaccine mandates in New York City, Irving would not be allowed to play in games at Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden as long as he remained unvaccinated.
Not wanting a part-time player on the team, the Nets decided Irving would remain sidelined until he received the vaccine. But, once the team had a wave of players enter health and safety protocols, they decided to bring Irving back into the mix.
Bringing an unvaccinated player into a locker room when positive numbers are spiking is a questionable decision in itself. But, desperate to win basketball games, the Nets know they are a better team with Irving in the mix.
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Still unvaccinated, Kyrie Irving is only eligible to play in road games, not including Toronto. But, there is a way for the Brooklyn Nets to get Irving to play in home games. If the Nets chose to, they could have Irving play in home games and just pay a fine, according to The Daily News.
Let me present the penalties for noncompliance with The Key to NYC, as outlined in Bill de Blasio’s executive order:
First offense: Warning.
Second offense: $1,000 fine.
Third offense: $2,000 fine.
Fourth offense: $5,000 fine.
Fifth offense to infinity offenses: $5,000 fine.
Knowing that it would cost them under $100,000 in fines to have Irving in the lineup every night, it is surprising that the Nets haven’t already decided to do that. That is peanuts for an NBA team to pay in fines. If they want Irving to play in home games, there is really nothing keeping them from doing so.
The Nets have 20 home games left in the regular season. That would cost them $88,000 and then $5,000 more for every postseason game that they play there. It would not be a surprise to see the Nets begin paying fines in the playoffs, especially if they are facing elimination scenarios and want Irving, one of their best players, on the court.
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Given the injury to Kevin Durant, many assumed that it would push Irving to become a full-time player. The Nets need him now more than ever, but Irving is rooted in his beliefs and does not have plans to change his stance.
“That’s what I think comes into a lot of this culture and basketball and sport and entertainment,” Irving said following Brooklyn’s 114-107 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. “You bring in teams and you bring in situations. Kev’s going to heal, Kev’s going to be OK, and we’re going to have to deal with that as his teammates. But in terms of where I am with my life outside of this, I stay rooted in my decision. And that’s just what it is.
“It’s not going to be swayed just because of one thing in this NBA life. That somehow it’s brought to my attention as being more important than what’s going on in the real world. It’s just not happening for me. Again, I respect everyone else’s decision, I’m not going to ever try to convince anyone of anything or any of that, I’m just standing rooted in what I believe in. And though we’re dealing with this right now with Kev, I just know that I’m protected by the organization, I’m protected by my teammates, I’m protected by all the doctors I’ve talked to. And I just stand rooted.”
While some may not agree with Irving’s stance on being vaccinated, the one thing he should be commended on is not allowing the Nets to push him into something he isn’t comfortable doing. He is aware of the consequences and is willing to accept them even if some people cannot fathom his decision.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Durant Sidelined For 4-6 Weeks; Harden, Irving Time To Shine
Things are going to be difficult for the Brooklyn Nets the next few weeks with Durant sidelined, as James Harden will be tasked with carrying even more of the load at home games. But, despite their current situation, do not expect Kyrie Irving to be suiting up for games at Barclays Center any time soon.
