Kyrie Irving is relieved and happy after Eric Adams allows pro athletes exception from COVID vaccination

Brooklyn Nets superstar point guard Kyrie Irving has expressed relief and joy after New York City Mayor released an order allowing professional athletes and performers exceptions from the COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Irving said.

“Please take my comment seriously when I say I’ve been pinching myself since Wednesday and Thursday because there was a time when I got my hopes high, and all the air was just let out,” Irving added.

The recent order or Adams allows Irving to finally play in home days even though he is not yet vaccinated against COVID.

“It’s just a level of disappointment, and I didn’t want to get too excited. And still, I’m trying to focus on this game. But I know [Sunday] will eventually come, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be playing back in Brooklyn,” he said.

Earlier, the Nets have decided to ban Irving from joining the team for refusing to get vaccinated.

Nets general manager Sean Marks said Irving could only rejoin the team once he vaccinated against the COVID-19.

“Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant,” Marks said.

“Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his right to choose. Currently, the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability,” Marks added.

Marks said although they respect Irving’s refusal to get vaccinated, they hope he will change his stance because they want him to be part of the team this NBA season.

“We must continue to build chemistry as a team and remain true to our long-established values of togetherness and sacrifice,” Marks said.

“Our championship goals for the season have not changed, and to achieve these goals, each member of our organization must pull in the same direction. We are excited for the start of the season and look forward to a successful campaign that will make the borough of Brooklyn proud,” Marks added.