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 in the NBA. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he earned Rookie of the Year honors. Irving is a nine-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Team selection. His career highlight includes winning an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016.

Sections (6)

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

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 a Instagram photo of Kehlani’s hand while in bed together. Kehlani then attempted suicide shortly after.

February 2017: Flat Earth Beliefs

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 flat Earth claims and said that media misunderstood him as he was joking.

June 2018: Reiterated Doubts about Earth's Shape

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", and added 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.

March 2021: First Tweet Espousing Black Hebrew Israelite Doctrine

In March 2021, Kyrie Irving made his first tweet espousing Black Hebrew Israelite doctrine, an ideology stating that black people are the real Jews, wherein antisemitism is common.

October 12, 2021: Ineligible to Play or Practice

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

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

Amidst controversies surrounding COVID-19 pandemic and his hesitancy to receive a vaccine, 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, it was speculated that Kyrie Irving was originally on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, but was later excluded, allegedly due to the ongoing vaccine mandate controversy.

February 2022: Lifting Vaccine Requirement

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. However, Irving remained subject to a different workplace vaccine mandate that remained in place.

September 15, 2022: Sharing 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 Antisemitic Film

On October 27, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted a link to an Amazon listing page for the film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America," a film based on a book promoting Black Hebrew Israelite ideology, which contains antisemitic content.

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October 29, 2022: Irving Defends Tweet and Denies Antisemitism

On October 29, 2022, Irving tweeted that deeming him antisemitic was "not justified," and that he intended to "learn from all walks of life and religions." During a postgame press availability at Barclays Center, Irving denied having any religious biases and defended the tweet.

November 3, 2022: Suspension from the Nets

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