Sophia Michaels
Since entering the NBA in 2011, Kyrie Irving has made a name for himself as a top player recognized for his speed and unpredictability. He has been praised for his unique playing style, often likened to that of an artist crafting a masterpiece on the court through his intricate movements and thoughtful actions. Irving’s basketball talents have shone through his stints with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and his current team, the Dallas Mavericks. Nevertheless, alongside his athletic prowess, Irving has found himself entangled in multiple controversies due to his outspoken nature, unwavering defiance, and penchant for embracing wild conspiracy theories.
To delve into this side of the star player, let’s explore the questionable aspects of Kyrie Irving’s persona.
Disparaging Comments Towards Former Teammate LeBron James
Following his time at Duke University, Kyrie Irving was the top pick in the 2011 NBA draft, signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite his promising start with the team and winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award, Irving felt overshadowed by the presence of LeBron James, who had a similar trajectory as a first pick for the Cavs back in 2003. In 2017, Irving expressed his desire to be traded, citing a wish to step out of James’ shadow and lead a team where he could be the focal point. Subsequently, he was traded to the Boston Celtics. Years later, Irving made remarks praising his then-teammate Kevin Durant’s abilities while seemingly belittling LeBron James. This public slight sparked a response from James on a podcast, where he expressed feeling hurt by Irving’s comments and emphasized his goodwill towards Irving’s career advancement, despite their differences in perspective.
Advocacy of Flat Earth Theory
In a highly controversial moment in February 2017, Kyrie Irving made headlines by proclaiming his belief in the flat Earth theory during a podcast appearance. He reiterated this stance multiple times, expressing skepticism towards mainstream scientific narratives. Despite initial reactions ranging from amusement to disbelief, Irving doubled down on his stance by delving into conspiracy theories about the moon landing and lack of definitive Earth imagery. This declaration led to widespread discussion and speculation about Irving’s unconventional beliefs. Over time, Irving acknowledged the repercussions of his statements, attributing his views to delving deep into controversial topics and eventually apologizing for the confusion and impact his remarks had caused.
Kyrie Irving’s Belief in Conspiracy Theories
An anonymous sports agent compared Kyrie Irving to someone from high school who constantly thought about unconventional ideas. Irving has expressed beliefs in various conspiracy theories, such as questioning the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and suggesting that the CIA was behind Bob Marley’s death. Additionally, he has controversial views on dinosaurs.
Refusal to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
In 2021, the NBA implemented strict COVID-19 safety measures, including vaccination requirements. Kyrie Irving, playing for the Brooklyn Nets at the time, chose not to get vaccinated, causing him to face restrictions. He opted out of the season, stating his decision was a stand against mandatory vaccination, rather than being anti-vaccine.
Support for Alex Jones’ Conspiracy Theories
Kyrie Irving has shown interest in conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and his controversial beliefs. Jones, known for promoting unfounded theories, faced legal trouble for false claims about the Sandy Hook tragedy. Irving shared one of Jones’ videos, seemingly endorsing the idea of a “New World Order” and intentional virus releases.
Allegations Regarding Steve Nash’s Dismissal
Rumors circulated that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant played a role in Steve Nash’s firing. The nature of their involvement in the coach’s departure remains speculative.
### Article 1: Controversies Surrounding Kyrie Irving
In November 2022, the Brooklyn Nets made the surprising decision to release coach Steve Nash, who, despite his NBA background, lacked prior coaching experience. General Manager Sean Marks cited timing as the reason behind the move, as reported by The New York Times.
Though Marks claimed the decision was independent of player influence, reports surfaced alleging that star players Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving played poorly intentionally to contribute to Nash’s dismissal. NBA reporter Kristian Winfield from the New York Daily News pointed out that their lackluster performance might have sealed Nash’s fate, a claim not confirmed by Durant or Irving. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith even highlighted Irving’s apparent disrespect by conducting separate practices after Nash’s sessions in a sign of defiance towards Nash’s coaching abilities.
### Article 2: Irking the Celtics Fanbase
During his tenure with the Boston Celtics, Kyrie Irving initially indicated plans to stay with the team but later left for the Brooklyn Nets, sparking discontent among Boston fans. His subsequent actions, like stepping on the Celtics’ logo during a game and accusing fans of racism, further fueled the animosity between him and the Celtics supporters. In response to explicit chants during a Nets-Celtics faceoff, Irving provocatively displayed inappropriate gestures towards the crowd, attributing it to the energy directed at him by the fans.
### Article 3: Spreading Controversial Beliefs
In a controversial social media post in 2022, Kyrie Irving stirred a significant backlash by promoting a contentious film titled “Hebrews to Negroes,” which propagated an antisemitic conspiracy theory. This post, laden with antisemitic undertones, drew condemnation from various quarters, prompting the NBA to press Irving to disavow any antisemitic beliefs. His refusal to comply led to a suspension, which was eventually lifted after he issued a joint statement expressing remorse and making significant donations to organizations fighting intolerance. The fallout extended to his sponsorship deal with Nike being terminated, reflecting the broader repercussions of his actions.Kyrie Irving and Nike have decided to part ways, with Irving stating that the decision was mutual. Following his trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks in February 2023, Irving expressed his desire to be celebrated and respected in his new team. He hinted at feeling disrespected during his time with the Nets and aimed to shift the focus back to his achievements on the basketball court. Throughout his career, Irving has been known for his controversies off the court, but he wanted to change the narrative and highlight his work ethic.
During a game in June 2024 at TD Garden, where the Nets played against the Boston Celtics, Irving faced taunts from fans, including the infamous “Kyrie sucks” chants. However, one fan in particular seemed to strike a nerve with Irving, leading to a heated exchange between the player and the spectator. Former Celtics announcer Mike Gorman described the incident on 98.5 The Sports Hub, noting how Irving engaged in a back-and-forth with the fan during breaks in the game, showing visible signs of distraction on the court.
