Kyrie Irving: People dealing with 'real consequences' from being unvaccinated

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No player in the NBA faced the daunting reality of vaccine restrictions like Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving.

After being sidelined for home games at Barclays over his unvaccinated status, Irving wants to make sure all unvaccinated workers in New York are granted the same freedoms.

"I’ve been saying from the beginning with all this, it’s never been just about me, and any special privilege or exemption," Irving said, as relayed by OutKick / HoopsWire’s Sam Amico.

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Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving reacts after hitting a shot during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Kyrie and unvaccinated athletes in New York have been cleared to play by Mayor Eric Adams; however, employees participating at the players’ home venues must still abide by a private sector ruling that prohibits unvaccinated people from working.

"I think there are a lot of people dealing with real consequences from being unvaccinated. And I don’t think it’s talked about enough in terms of our essential workers and people on the frontlines, and it’s just it’s a whole community of us that really want to stand together," Irving said. 

"And though I’m very appreciative of Mayor Adams doing what he did, and everyone in our Nets organization, everyone sending in notes to the mayor and tweets or Instagram posts or wherever you call it," he added. 

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Irvin has played 21 of 74 games (all away contests) for Brooklyn this season and will finally play at his home court on