Kyrie Irving Reportedly Cites ‘Systematic Racism and the Bullsh*t’ in Holdout Effort Against NBA Restart Amid Nationwide Protests
Photo credit: Emilee Chinn, Getty Images.
Kyrie Irving is reportedly organizing an effort among dozens of players to holdout against the NBA’s plan to restart its 2019–20 season in late July inside a cloistered environment in Orlando, Florida.
According to reporting by Shams Charania in The Athletic, the Brooklyn Nets’ point guard led a call with more than 80 other NBA players — from big-name stars to little known back-ups — on Friday night in which he cited health and safety concerns about playing amidst the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the desire to show solidarity with the social justice protests around the country.
Sources: Kyrie Irving led a call of 80-plus NBA players, including Chris Paul/Kevin Durant/Carmelo Anthony/Donovan Mitchell, and Irving and several players spoke up about not supporting resumed season due to nationwide unrest from social injustice/racism.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 13, 2020
Irving expressed his deep reservations about the league’s reopening plan during the call, according to Charania’s sources, saying “I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. Something smells a little fishy.”
Kyrie Irving told NBA players on call Friday, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium: “I don’t support going into Orlando. I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. Something smells a little fishy.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 13, 2020
The Nets guard reportedly urged his fellow players to make a public stand against racial injustice, even if it meant jeopardizing their season, adding: “I’m willing to give up everything I have (for social reform).”
Kyrie Irving on players call Friday, per sources: “I’m willing to give up everything I have (for social reform).”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 13, 2020
