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 with the Dallas Mavericks. 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. He won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016, solidifying his place among the league's elite players.
February 2017: Flat Earth Belief Statement
In February 2017, Kyrie Irving stated in an interview that he believed the Earth is flat, sparking widespread discussion and controversy.
July 2017: Irving Requests Trade from Cavaliers
In July 2017, Kyrie Irving requested to be traded from the Cavaliers, reportedly desiring a more focal role on his own team rather than playing alongside LeBron James.
September 2017: Denial of Flat Earth Claims
In September 2017, Kyrie Irving retracted his previous statements about believing the Earth is flat, claiming the media had misunderstood him and that he was joking.
June 2018: Reiterates Questionable Belief
In a June 2018 interview, Kyrie Irving continued to express uncertainty about the Earth's shape and encouraged people to "do [their] own research."
October 2018: Apology for Flat Earth Comments
In October 2018, Kyrie Irving apologized for his earlier flat Earth comments, but stopped short of confirming whether he still held the belief.
2018: "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America" film release
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, sparking controversy due to its antisemitic content.
March 2021: First Tweet Espousing Black Hebrew Israelite Doctrine
In March 2021, Kyrie Irving made his first tweet espousing Black Hebrew Israelite doctrine, which often includes antisemitism.
October 12, 2021: Irving Ineligible to Play Due to Vaccine Mandate
On October 12, 2021, the Nets announced that Kyrie Irving was ineligible to play or practice with the team due to New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Exclusion Speculation
Amidst COVID-19 pandemic controversies and vaccine hesitancy, there was speculation in October 2021 that Kyrie Irving was excluded from the NBA 75th Anniversary Team list.
October 21, 2021: Speculation Surrounds Irving's 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. This led to criticism from fans, commentators, and fellow players.
2021: COVID-19 Vaccine 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: NYC Vaccine Requirement Discussions
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.
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: 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 2018 film promoting Black Hebrew Israelite ideology, sparking controversy due to its antisemitic content.
October 29, 2022: Denial of Antisemitism
On October 29, 2022, Kyrie Irving tweeted that deeming him antisemitic was "not justified" and expressed his intent to "learn from all walks of life and religions", followed by defending his tweet during a postgame press availability.
November 3, 2022: Irving Suspended by 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 is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."
2022: COVID-19 Vaccine Controversy
In 2022, Kyrie Irving's decision not to get vaccinated for COVID-19 led to him missing the majority of the 2021–2022 NBA season.
