Craig Hodges, former NBA sharpshooter and outspoken activist, recently spoke with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson about Kyrie Irving’s stand against the so-called COVID-19 vaccine. Hodges highlighted how Irving continues to face harsh criticism despite his principled position.
“They still do! He’s STILL being villainized, you know what I’m sayin’?” Hodges said. For Hodges, Kyrie’s stance reflects courage and righteousness, not recklessness or selfishness as some have portrayed it.
Hodges drew parallels between Kyrie’s experience and his own history of activism, which includes confronting presidents and challenging the NBA’s silence on social issues. He stressed the double standard athletes face when speaking out on social or political issues.
“If he were a lawyer at the top of [his] game… how much magnitude even if he was a $240 million dollar lawyer—it would be he could take his stance however he wants,” Hodges explained, “But take that political stance outside of the courtroom or law office, you know?”
Hodges pointed to the delicate balance players must maintain under the NBA and entertainment industries, which often expect compliance rather than dissent. He acknowledged the courage required to hold a firm political or social stance.
“There’s a fine line to dance—that NBA and entertainment wants you to portray,” Hodges said. “And if you study and research and be blessed to have a certain consciousness and have a certain character and courage…”
Despite difficulties in connecting with current players like Kyrie, Hodges expressed appreciation for those who understand their platform goes beyond basketball.
“It’s not just Craig Hodges,” he said. “It’s Jack Johnson. Paul Robeson. Muhammad Ali… we have a blanket of people who have done and who have given us great examples.”
Hodges views Kyrie not as an outlier but as part of a continuing tradition of athletes who dare to say they are more than entertainers. He acknowledged the financial rewards players earn today provide some security but do not absolve them of responsibility.
“That wealth… provides a cushion—but not an escape from responsibility. Not when you’re awake,” Hodges noted. “Kyrie is brilliant enough to see his impact—not only on the court, but also financially—but also realizing that basketball and my finances still doesn’t equate to what my conscious and my spiritual point of reference has to be.”
