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Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets point guard, has been a source of controversy throughout his NBA career. From his trade requests to his outspoken views on social and political issues, Irving has consistently made headlines. This article will provide a timeline of some of Irving's most notable controversies.
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Irving's controversies have ranged from minor disagreements with teammates and coaches to major scandals that have tarnished his reputation. Some of his most controversial actions include his trade request from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, his flat-earth comments in 2017, his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2021, and his promotion of an antisemitic film in 2022.
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These are just a few of the most notable controversies involving Kyrie Irving. His actions have drawn criticism from fans, media, and fellow NBA players. Despite his controversies, Irving remains one of the most talented and popular players in the NBA.
what did kyrie irving do
Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets point guard, has been involved in a number of controversies throughout his NBA career.
- Trade Requests: Requested trades from Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
- Flat Earth Comments: Claimed the Earth is flat in 2017.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Refusal: Refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2021.
- Antisemitic Film Promotion: Promoted an antisemitic film in 2022.
- Social and Political Activism: Outspoken views on social and political issues.
- Feud with Teammates: Public disagreements with teammates and coaches.
- Injury History: Suffered several significant injuries throughout his career.
- Controversial Statements: Made controversial statements on various topics.
- NBA Championships: Won NBA championships with Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
These are just some of the most notable things that Kyrie Irving has done throughout his career.
Trade Requests: Requested trades from Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
Kyrie Irving has requested trades from two different teams during his NBA career: the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2017):
In 2017, Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers after three seasons with the team. He reportedly felt that he was not the focal point of the offense and wanted to be the lead option on a team.
- Boston Celtics (2019):
After two seasons with the Celtics, Irving requested a trade in 2019. He reportedly had disagreements with head coach Brad Stevens and wanted to play for a team that was closer to contending for a championship.
- Brooklyn Nets (2019):
Irving was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, where he joined forces with Kevin Durant. He has since expressed his happiness with the Nets and has stated that he wants to remain with the team long-term.
- Missed Opportunity:
Some basketball analysts believe that Irving's trade requests have cost him the opportunity to win more NBA championships. If he had stayed with the Cavaliers, he could have won multiple titles alongside LeBron James. If he had stayed with the Celtics, he could have been a key player in their championship run in 2022.
Irving's trade requests have been controversial, but they have also shown his willingness to make bold decisions in pursuit of his goals.
Flat Earth Comments: Claimed the Earth is flat in 2017.
In 2017, Kyrie Irving made headlines when he claimed that the Earth is flat. He made these comments during a podcast interview, and he later doubled down on his stance on social media.
- Scientific Consensus:
The vast majority of scientists agree that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulges at the equator. This shape is due to the Earth's rotation, which causes the material at the equator to be flung outward by centrifugal force.
- Evidence against Flat Earth:
There is a wealth of evidence that contradicts the flat Earth theory. For example, ships appear to sink below the horizon as they sail away from land, and airplanes are able to fly around the world without falling off the edge. Additionally, satellites and other spacecraft have taken pictures of the Earth from space, which clearly show that it is round.
- Irving's Explanation:
Irving has never fully explained why he believes the Earth is flat. He has said that he is open to considering new evidence, but he has also said that he trusts his own senses more than scientific consensus.
- Criticism and Backlash:
Irving's flat Earth comments were met with widespread criticism from scientists, educators, and the general public. Many people accused him of being ignorant and anti-intellectual. Irving's comments also damaged his reputation and led to him being the target of jokes and ridicule.
Despite the backlash, Irving has never apologized for his flat Earth comments. He has said that he is entitled to his own beliefs, even if they are not popular.
COVID-19 Vaccination Refusal: Refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2021.
In 2021, Kyrie Irving refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This decision made him one of the most high-profile athletes to resist the vaccine.
- Vaccine Mandates:
At the time of Irving's refusal, many cities and states were implementing vaccine mandates for certain activities, including attending sporting events. This meant that Irving was not allowed to play in home games for the Brooklyn Nets.
- Loss of Salary:
Irving's refusal to get vaccinated cost him a significant amount of money. He forfeited approximately $38 million in salary for the 2021-22 season.
- Criticism and Backlash:
Irving's decision not to get vaccinated was met with criticism from many people, including teammates, coaches, and fans. Some people accused him of being selfish and putting his personal beliefs ahead of the health and safety of others.
- Change of Heart:
In January 2022, Irving announced that he would get vaccinated after all. This decision allowed him to return to the Nets and play in home games.
Irving's refusal to get vaccinated was a controversial topic, but he ultimately decided to get the vaccine in order to continue his NBA career.