Major Controversies Surrounding Kyrie Irving: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Kyrie Irving.

Kyrie Irving is a professional basketball player currently with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he was named Rookie of the Year. Irving is a nine-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA Team selection, achieving an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. He is renowned for his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring ability.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

March 2016: Controversy and Breakup with Kehlani

In March 2016, Kyrie Irving's relationship with Kehlani ended amidst a Twitter media controversy after a photo posted by PartyNextDoor led to accusations of cheating. They had broken up before the incident.

February 2017: Irving States Belief in Flat Earth Theory

In February 2017, Kyrie Irving stated in an interview for a podcast that he believes that the Earth is flat, sparking controversy.

September 2017: Irving Denies Flat Earth Claims

In September 2017, Kyrie Irving denied his previous claims of believing in the flat Earth theory, stating that the media misunderstood him as he was joking.

June 2018: Irving Reiterates Flat Earth Doubts

In a June 2018 interview, when asked if he would admit that the world is round, Irving said, "I don't know. I really don't", and encouraged people to "do [their] own research".

October 2018: Irving Apologizes for Flat Earth Comments

In October 2018, Kyrie Irving apologized for his original flat Earth comments, but stopped short of saying whether he still believed that the Earth is flat.

2018: Promotion of Conspiracy Theories

In 2018, Kyrie Irving promoted numerous conspiracy theories, including tweeting a link to the film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America", which was characterized as antisemitic.

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October 12, 2021: Ineligible to Play Due to Vaccine Mandate

On October 12, 2021, the Nets announced that Kyrie Irving would be ineligible to play or practice with the team due to New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

October 2021: Speculation of Exclusion from NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, his hesitancy to get vaccinated, and his sharing of conspiracy theories, it was speculated that Kyrie Irving was excluded from the NBA 75th Anniversary Team list in October 2021.

October 21, 2021: Exclusion from NBA 75th Anniversary Team

On October 21, 2021, Kyrie Irving was speculated to be excluded from the NBA 75th Anniversary Team due to the ongoing vaccine mandate controversy.

2021: COVID-19 Vaccination Controversy

In the 2021–2022 NBA season, Kyrie Irving's decision not to get vaccinated for COVID-19 led to him missing the majority of the season.

February 2022: Vaccine Requirement Update

In February 2022, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced the city would be lifting its vaccine requirement for indoor activities on March 7, but Irving remained subject to a workplace vaccine mandate.

September 15, 2022: Irving Shares Alex Jones Video

On September 15, 2022, Kyrie Irving shared a video on his Instagram story featuring a rant by InfoWars creator and far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

October 27, 2022: Irving Tweets Link to Controversial Film

On October 27, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted a link to an Amazon listing page for Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, a film promoting Black Hebrew Israelite ideology.

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October 29, 2022: Irving Defends Tweet and Denies Antisemitism

On October 29, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted that deeming him antisemitic was "not justified" and defended his tweet during a postgame press conference at Barclays Center, stating that he would not stand down on what he believed in.

November 3, 2022: Suspended by the Nets

On November 3, 2022, The Nets suspended Irving for at least five NBA games due to his failure to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs and that he is unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.