Major Controversies Surrounding Kyrie Irving: A Detailed Timeline

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

Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he earned Rookie of the Year honors. Irving is a nine-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA Team selection, and an NBA champion, having won the title with the Cavaliers in 2016. Known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring ability, Irving is considered one of the most skilled offensive players in the NBA.

Sections (6)

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

February 2017: Irving expresses 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 and discussion.

September 2017: Irving denies flat Earth claims

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

June 2018: Irving doubles down on encouraging flat Earth research

In a June 2018 interview, Kyrie Irving was asked if he would admit that the world is round, he 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: 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.

October 12, 2021: Ineligible to play or practice with the Nets

On October 12, 2021, Sean Marks, the Nets' general manager, announced that Kyrie Irving would be ineligible to play or practice with the team due to the New York City COVID-19 vaccine mandate until he was vaccinated.

October 2021: Speculation over Irving's exclusion from NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and his hesitancy to receive a vaccine, in October 2021 it was speculated that Kyrie Irving was excluded from the NBA 75th Anniversary Team list.

October 21, 2021: Excluded 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. LeBron James and others criticized the exclusion.

2021: COVID-19 Vaccination Controversy

In 2021, 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: Mayor announced the vaccine requirement for indoor activities

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: Irving shares Alex Jones video on Instagram

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 anti-semitic 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 promoting Black Hebrew Israelite ideology containing antisemitic disinformation.

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October 29, 2022: Irving defends tweet and denies religious biases

On October 29, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted that deeming him antisemitic was "not justified" and claimed he would "learn from all walks of life and religions." Later that day, during a press conference, Irving denied having religious biases, defended his tweet, and stated he wouldn't back down on his beliefs.

November 3, 2022: Irving suspended by Nets for antisemitic beliefs

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 is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."