Stephen A. Smith Claims Dallas Mavericks Star Kyrie Irving Was ‘Right’ About Covid-19 Conspiracy Theories

Stephen A. Smith now believes that Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving was right all along in his reluctance to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

At the beginning of the 2021-21 season, Irving — then a member of the Brooklyn Nets — was deemed ineligible to play due to his refusal to get the vaccine. Getting vaccinated against the coronavirus was mandated by New York City. Irving did not return to the court until December of that year.

Naturally, the situation caused quite a stir in the sports world. Irving held firm in his stance against the vaccine, and his supporters harshly criticized both the team and the NBA for keeping him off the court. Smith, however, slammed Irving on First Take for potentially sacrificing his career over it.

On Monday’s episode of Carmelo Anthony’s podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn, Smith revealed that he’s since changed his stances and feels that Irving was ahead of the curve with his vaccine conspiracy theories:

Kyrie’s a good brother, man. Kyrie’s a good brother. We used to butt heads because he missed work too damn much! And I’m like, “Yo, man, this brother’s electrifying. I want to see this brother dancing on the basketball court.” I don’t want to hear no shit about no Covid vaccine. Get your ass on the court! I need to see you!

Now, obviously, in hindsight, the brother’s right because we see all the conspiracy theories that come out; and props to him for seeing, for having the foresight to see that. We didn’t see that at the time.

But you also have to understand, I’m living in a world where you got cats making 38, 40, 45 million [dollars]. You got GMs and owners complaining about it, and you got billionaires looking me in the face and saying, “Yo, Stephen A, I took that damn vaccine. Who the hell are they not to take the vaccine?” And we’re living in a country where the government was imposing all of that on us. So I’m sitting there going like this: “We’re all taking the risk.” Kyrie said no. Props to him, but I didn’t view it that way.

Watch the clip above.