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 playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he was named Rookie of the Year and subsequently won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. Irving is a nine-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Team member, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier players.

Sections (6)

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

2002: Alex Jones Video Content

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, that was recorded in 2002.

March 2016: End of relationship with Kehlani and media controversy

In March 2016, Kyrie Irving's relationship with singer Kehlani ended, causing a Twitter media controversy after singer PartyNextDoor posted an Instagram photo of Kehlani’s hand while in bed together.

February 2017: Flat Earth Belief Statement

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

September 2017: Denial of Flat Earth Claims

In September 2017, Kyrie Irving denied his previous claims and said that media misunderstood him as he was joking about his flat Earth belief.

June 2018: Questioning the Shape of the Earth

In a June 2018 interview, when asked if he would admit that the world is round, Kyrie Irving said, "I don't know. I really don't", adding that people should "do [their] own research for what [they] want to believe in" because "Our educational system is flawed".

October 2018: Apology 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: Promoted Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories

In 2018, Kyrie Irving promoted conspiracies, including tweeting a link to the film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America", which have been characterized as antisemitic.

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2018: Release of 'Hebrews to Negroes' Film

On October 27, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted a link to an Amazon listing page for Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, a 2018 film based on a book of the same name, which promotes Black Hebrew Israelite ideology.

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March 2021: Expressed views on Black Hebrew Israelite doctrine

In March 2021, Kyrie Irving made his first tweet espousing Black Hebrew Israelite doctrine, which promotes the ideology that black people are the real Jews and is often associated with antisemitism.

October 12, 2021: Ineligible to play due to vaccine mandate

On October 12, 2021, Kyrie Irving became ineligible to play or practice with the Nets due to New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, remaining unvaccinated.

October 2021: Speculation about exclusion from NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Amidst Kyrie Irving's COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and sharing of conspiracy theories, it was speculated that he 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 allegedly excluded from the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, despite speculation of his initial inclusion, purportedly due to the ongoing vaccine mandate controversy, sparking criticism from teammates and fans.

2021: Missed NBA Season due to Vaccination Decision

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

February 2022: Vaccine mandate discussion

In February 2022, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced that the city would be lifting its vaccine requirement for indoor activities on March 7, but Irving remained subject to a separate workplace vaccine mandate. Adams stated that making an exception for Irving would "send the wrong message."

September 15, 2022: Shared 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. The video promoted the New World Order conspiracy theory.

October 27, 2022: Tweeted Link to 'Hebrews to Negroes' Film

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October 29, 2022: Denial of Antisemitism

On October 29, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted that deeming him antisemitic was "not justified" and that he intended to "learn from all walks of life and religions." He also defended his tweet during a postgame press availability, stating he would not stand down on what he believes in.

November 3, 2022: Suspension by the Nets

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