During the Zoom call on June 12 with NBA players, Kyrie Irving made his feelings known on the NBA restart in Orlando.
“I don’t support going into Orlando,” Irving told players. “I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. Something smells a little fishy.”
“I’m willing to give up everything I have (for social reform),” Irving added.
Despite his comments, Irving said that he would ultimately stand with the group if they decided to play.
On the call that reportedly lasted about an hour and forty minutes, opinions were voiced, questions were answered and a common theme was established; whatever we do, we’re in this together, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Irving will also ultimately have to explain to NBPA colleagues why he is so out front challenging a proposal he didn’t push back hard on last week but the union will ultimately have to explain why only team reps voted on the proposal … and why all 30 were not on the call, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.
The second player to speak behind Irving was Los Angeles Lakers guard Avery Bradley.
Bradley reportedly had a passionate message to players, as he urged them to “take a stand and utilize this moment to play chess, not checkers,” according to Charania.
