Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving did not attend the team's media day at Barclays Center on Monday due to New York City's COVID-19 protocols, and he spoke to discuss the status of their vaccinations or their intentions to deal with the matter. refused.
Last month, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio issued an executive order requiring New York resident pro athletes who practice or play indoors to show evidence of at least one vaccine shot.
Speaking on Zoom, Irving repeatedly requested privacy when asked about the situation and indicated that he planned to release more information later.
"I know I'll be there every day no matter what and be there for my teammates as one of the team leaders and there for my growing tribe off the court," Irving said.
"I know the focus should always be on a high level, no distractions. It's the last thing I wanted to create, more distractions and more circles around it and more drama. I had to keep it up." Trying my best. Good intentions and good heart."
Irving is expected to travel to San Diego with the team at the end of Monday and attend the team's training camp this week, sources told ESPN.
An NBA spokesman said the league did not plan to comment on whether any players requested an exemption from the law. Last week, the NBA announced that it had denied a request for exemption from Andrew Wiggins to the Golden State Warriors regarding a similar law in San Francisco. Each city must also issue a waiver to a player for playing without vaccination.
Nets star Kevin Durant said, "It's up to Kyrie and it's his personal decision. What he does is not up to us as to what might happen." "We rely on Kyrie, and I hope to have our full team at some point."
"Obviously that's a big part of what we're trying to do," said teammate James Harden.
Other Nets players at Media Day indicated that Irving had recently played pickup games with teammates. The new ordinance came into force two weeks ago.
Last week, Nets general manager Sean Marks said that "some people" are still not complying with the new law, but hoped everyone would be ready by the start of camp. All Nets players were present on Monday except Irving.
"We are confident that the many days before camp will allow everyone to fully participate," Marx said then.
The Nets' first preseason game is October 8 in Brooklyn. They open their preseason schedule on Sunday in the Road to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Also Monday, Harden and Irving addressed the status of their contract. Both are now eligible to sign extensions -- Irving could add up to four years and $182 million and Harden could add up to three years and $161 million. Both the players said that they are still in discussion with the team but are still considering the options and are in no hurry to make a decision.
Durant signed a four-year, $198 million extension in August. If neither Irving or Harden expand, they could become free agents in 2022.
"It's not about the money for me," Harden said. "I've been in enough teams where we've fallen short. So my mindset and my goal is to make sure that we are able to build this team and compete as a team for many years. Highest Level. Win a championship in New York, the money will come."