Breaking News: Kyrie Irving Banned From Brooklyn Nets Until He's A "Full Participant"

So many questions had been swirling around the Brooklyn Nets about whether the unvaccinated Kyrie Irving would be playing only half their games, and when would he be able to practice, etc. etc. Now the Nets have made it clear: Kyrie Irving is not welcome to return to the team until he is a "full participant". i.e.: Until he's vaccinated.

Nets GM Sean Marks says Brooklyn has decided Kyrie Irving may not practice or play with the group until he can be a “full participant.” pic.twitter.com/ton8xdCEX9
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 12, 2021

The statement by Nets GM Sean Marks says Irving may not practice or play with the team until such time as he's "eligible to be a full participant." Currently, New York City's vaccine mandate restricts any unvaccinated individuals from entering a public indoor event, meaning he would have to miss all 41 home games.

"Currently, (his) choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team," said the statement, "and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time eligibility."

Citing the need to build chemistry, togetherness and sacrifice, Marks continued: "Our championship goals for the season have not changed, and to achieve these goals each member of the organization must pull in the same direction."

Kyrie, of course, is infamous for pulling in the opposite direction of most societal norms, whether they involve theories on the shape of planet Earth, or public health concerns.

He now has to make a decision: Get vaccinated and comply with the NYC mandate, making him a full-time member of the Nets, demand a trade, or, perhaps, as some have suggested, even retire.

The Brooklyn Nets are doing the RIGHT thing! I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyrie retires from the NBA! Carry on... pic.twitter.com/dq52Jrt5uj
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) October 12, 2021