NBA’s Kyrie Irving defends decision to not get COVID vaccine

Brooklyn Nets guard, who could lose $17m this season if he doesn’t get the jab, says he’s doing ‘what’s best’ for him.

All-Star Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving has defended his decision to not get vaccinated against the coronavirus as “what’s best” for him, after team officials said he would not be allowed to practice or play with the team without getting inoculated.

The Nets announced earlier this week that Irving, 29, would not be part of the team until he can “be a full participant”.

He is not eligible to play Nets home games in New York City, where a New York mandate requires professional athletes on one of the city’s teams to be vaccinated to practice or play in public venues.