Nets' Kyrie Irving stands firm on decision to remain unvaccinated: 'That should be a human right'

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Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is standing his ground over his decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Irving, who made his season debut Jan. 5, told reporters after practice Friday he still believes he made the "right decision" despite pushback he received over his decision to remain unvaccinated. 

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"I can really say that I stood firm on what I believed in, what I wanted to do with my body. That should be not just an American right, that should be a human right," Irving said. "And when you stand for something like that, in a society that we’re in where we have a lot more followers than we do leaders, you’re going to be forced into being seen as a black sheep that people can attack and can clickbait your name and say these things that don’t really describe who you are.

The Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving reacts after hitting a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the NBA play-in tournament April 12, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

"So I can’t address everybody, but as we move forward in time, I know that I made the right decision for me."

The Nets initially decided not to have Irving participate in any games after the New York City vaccine mandate prevented him from playing at home. Following a COVID outbreak in December, the decision was made to allow him to rejoin the team. 

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Last month, he was able to rejoin the team fully after New York City Mayor Eric Adams lifted a vaccine mandate for athletes and entertainers. 

When asked if he felt he had something to prove in the playoffs after many in the organization stood up for him, Irving expressed his appreciation. 

The Nets' Kevin Durant (7) talks with Kyrie Irving (11) after the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center April 8, 2022, in Brooklyn. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

"Man, that’s a good question. It’s a great feeling when you know during uncomfortable times you can really lean in on different individuals," he said. "Some stood by me in public, some stood by me in private, and I’m OK with both. Some disagree with me in public, some disagree with me in private. It doesn’t bother me as much as it did in the beginning, because everything was just so new."

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Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks to pass the ball between Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and guard Stephen Curry in San Francisco Jan. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

The Boston Celtics host the Nets in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round Sunday. Boston went 3-1 against Brooklyn during the regular season. The Celtics won the last regular-season matchup 126-120 March 6 behind 54 points from Jayson Tatum. Kevin Durant scored 37 points for the Nets.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.