Ahead of Brooklyn Nets' tipoff against the Charlotte Hornets, many protesters try to enter the arena as they bring signs that read, 'Stand with Kyrie' and 'We will not comply.'
- October 25, 2021
AceShowbiz - A number of anti-vaxxers have hit the streets to advocate for Kyrie Irving. The protesters recently stormed past barricades outside New York's Barclays Center, urging the Brooklyn Nets to let Irving play despite his anti-vaccine stance.
The clash took place on Sunday, October 24, just two hours before Nets played against the Charlotte Hornets at 4:00 P.M. In some videos surfacing online, the protesters were seen bringing signs reading "Stand with Kyrie," "We will not comply" and "No mandates... My Body, My Choice".
The crowds were also heard shouting, "Let Kyrie play." One person in particular, meanwhile, raged, "Are you out of your mind? Stop this craziness. Let Kyrie play. Open the door!"
Speaking about the chaos, a spokesperson of the Barclays Center told Reuters, "Barclays Center briefly closed its doors today in order to clear protestors from the main doors on the plaza and ensure guests could safely enter the arena." The spokesperson added, "Only ticketed guests were able to enter the building and the game proceeded according to schedule."
Irving is not illegible to play this season after he refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Despite getting backlash over his anti-vax stance, the NBA star doubled down on his opinion.
"It's not about being anti-vax or about being on one side or the other. It's about being true to what feels good for me. I'm still uncertain about a lot of things," Irving explained during an Instagram Live earlier this month. "And that's OK. If I'm going to be demonized about having more questions and taking my time to make a decision with my life, then that's just what it is."
"It's not about the money, baby. It's about choosing what's best for you. You think I really want to lose money? You think I really want to give up on my dream to go after a championship? You think I really just want to give up my job?" the seven-time All-Star further stressed. "You think I really just want to sit at home and not go after the things with my teammates that I've been able to grow with, to learn with?"
