- NYC Mayor Eric Adams was heckled by Kyrie Irving supporters at his latest public appearance
- His quick one-liner set social media into a frenzy
- Read more NBA news here
New York City Mayor Eric Adams made a public appearance Sunday morning to speak on a new parks and recreation initiative.
Midway through his announcement, though, Adams was asked about a different topic that also concerns the NYC community.
A heckler from the crowd began to chant, “Let Kyrie play!”
The heckler is referring to Brooklyn Nets unvaccinated star Kyrie Irving, who’s been unable to play home games this season due to the city’s private sector mandate.
Adams dropped a quick one-liner to the bystander, standing strong on his stance regarding the mandate.
Mayor Eric Adams’ response to a heckling fan asking about Kyrie Irving playing at Barclays Center.
“Listen, you’re right. Kyrie can play tomorrow. Get vaccinated.”pic.twitter.com/10W1k1GMaK
— Chris Milholen (@ChrisMilholen) March 13, 2022
“Listen, you’re right. Kyrie can play tomorrow. Get vaccinated.”
Nets fans are eager to see their superstar return to the home court, especially with Brooklyn looking to make a playoff push with just a few weeks left in the regular season.
At 34-33, the Nets are currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings. If the season were to end today, a play-in situation would dictate Brooklyn’s postseason fate.
The Nets have been forced to play shorthanded all year long. Irving, as noted, has only been able to participate in road games outside of New York.
On top of that, Kevin Durant missed time with a leg injury that sent the team into a downward spiral. After looking like NBA title contenders over the first months of the season, Brooklyn fell below .500 before seeing Durant return to the floor.
And with just a few more games left on the slate, fans want to see Irving back on the court full time. With the NYC mandate, however, there are only four more road opportunities to see Kyrie play.
.@NYCMayor please do the right thing 🙏#NBATwitter #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/OvijoqRdrQ
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) March 13, 2022
Kyrie Irving is currently eligible to play in just 5 of Brooklyn’s final 16 regular season games.
— Christopher Lavinio (@ChrisLavinio) March 9, 2022
With Adams doubling down on his vaccination stance, Brooklyn could ultimately waste a year in which it boasts immense talent.
With the mandate not looking to change any time soon, Irving could also be in danger of missing home playoff games, which severely hinders the Nets’ shot at a championship.
Social Media Reacts To Kyrie Irving’s Absence
Expectedly, Brooklyn fans and media reacted to Irving’s status on Twitter. Most revolve around commissioner Adam Silver and his ability to bypass the mandate with a fine.
At what point do the Brooklyn Nets get a “blessing” from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and just pay the fine?
— Christopher Lavinio (@ChrisLavinio) March 13, 2022
Many other cities have granted athlete exemptions. There is plenty of precedent. It’s a false equivalency to compare it to unrelated matters. The NBA can also green light just paying the fine. https://t.co/rTs1iK3zax
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) March 13, 2022
Adam Silver calling the mayor to lift the vax mandate for Kyrie pic.twitter.com/WSNAXOMFJy
— Conor McCormick-Cavanagh (@ConorMichael28) March 10, 2022
We'll pay the fines. Adam Silver will allow it
— Talkin’ Nets (@TalkinNets) March 13, 2022
The Kyrie Irving situation is certainly the center of attention.
Here’s one ? I don’t understand
Why is Irving allowed to attend work (and practice) at the Nets practice facility that is located in Brooklyn but not play home games that are also located in Brooklyn?
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 13, 2022
Kyrie is sitting inside Barclays for the Duke game but can’t play there tomorrow against the Knicks. Makes perfect sense.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) March 13, 2022
I’ll give $1000 to whoever can make this make sense. #FreeKyrie pic.twitter.com/bpAKOlky8p
— Claudia Bellofatto (@CBellofattoTV) March 13, 2022
NYC is doing Kyrie soooo wrong. It’s a joke at this point. There’s no rationality behind this decision. #FreeKyrie
— Emily Austin (@emilyraustin) March 13, 2022
Kyrie Irving at The Clays today #FreeKyrie pic.twitter.com/25Wcf1r406
— Cody Mallory (@RealCodyMallory) March 13, 2022
We’ll see if anything changes come playoff time. If not, the Nets could be in serious trouble.