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UNPOPULAR OPINION
Despite sitting out the last two weeks for personal reasons, Kyrie Irving has done nothing wrong.
Here's why...
Time for a thread
Despite sitting out the last two weeks for personal reasons, Kyrie Irving has done nothing wrong.
Here's why...
Time for a thread
1) First, some background...
Between claiming the earth is flat and referring to media members as "pawns," Kyrie Irving has built up a divisive reputation since entering the NBA in 2011.
Even more interesting?
He's been MIA for the last two weeks.
Between claiming the earth is flat and referring to media members as "pawns," Kyrie Irving has built up a divisive reputation since entering the NBA in 2011.
Even more interesting?
He's been MIA for the last two weeks.
2) Since scoring 29 points in a win on January 5th, Kyrie Irving hasn't attended a single Brooklyn Nets game or practice — missing 7 games in total.
Why?
"Personal reasons," according to the team.
That's not all though…
Why?
"Personal reasons," according to the team.
That's not all though…
3) During his absence, Kyrie Irving has had minimal communication with the Nets & coach Steve Nash.
Furthermore, a video surfaced last week that showed Irving attending a birthday party for his sister at a bar without a mask.
My take?
Who cares.
Before you go, hear me out…
Furthermore, a video surfaced last week that showed Irving attending a birthday party for his sister at a bar without a mask.
My take?
Who cares.
Before you go, hear me out…
4) While media members like Stephen A. Smith have called for Kyrie Irving to retire, I think about it differently.
Kyrie has struggled with mental health for years, so why are we so quick to judge now?
Sure, he should have worn a mask, but let's be real — that's not the issue.
Kyrie has struggled with mental health for years, so why are we so quick to judge now?
Sure, he should have worn a mask, but let's be real — that's not the issue.
5) The classic argument revolves around him not being there for his teammates, which is true, but he's paying for it.
By missing 7+ games, Kyrie Irving has lost more than $1M in salary this year.
Yes, he's wealthy — but $1M is $1M.
Even more interesting?
The media narrative.
By missing 7+ games, Kyrie Irving has lost more than $1M in salary this year.
Yes, he's wealthy — but $1M is $1M.
Even more interesting?
The media narrative.
6) Rather than remind you of Kyrie Irving's struggles with mental health, media outlets are much quicker to label him "selfish."
Why?
Negativity sells.
The reality?
Kyrie has quietly become one of the most philanthropic individuals in NBA history.
Here are a few examples.
Why?
Negativity sells.
The reality?
Kyrie has quietly become one of the most philanthropic individuals in NBA history.
Here are a few examples.
7) This past year, when COVID-19 hit & WNBA players feared opting out due to a lack of financial assistance, Kyrie Irving stepped up.
Irving donated $1.5M to help pay the salary of WNBA players who didn't want to play.
Keep in mind, that's more than WNBA team owners did.
Irving donated $1.5M to help pay the salary of WNBA players who didn't want to play.
Keep in mind, that's more than WNBA team owners did.
8) For his 28th birthday, Kyrie Irving donated $323,000 to Feeding America.
Even better?
He got corporate sponsors to match him, raising $650,000 in total.
As if that wasn't enough, Irving personally sacrificed his time — handing out 250,000 thanksgiving meals around Brooklyn.
Even better?
He got corporate sponsors to match him, raising $650,000 in total.
As if that wasn't enough, Irving personally sacrificed his time — handing out 250,000 thanksgiving meals around Brooklyn.
9) In 2019, Kyrie Irving's former high school was set to close due to financial issues.
Not only did he donate an undisclosed sum to keep it open, but he went above & beyond.
Today, more than 50% of the school's 128 students attend via subsidized tuition from Irving.
Not only did he donate an undisclosed sum to keep it open, but he went above & beyond.
Today, more than 50% of the school's 128 students attend via subsidized tuition from Irving.
10) Here are three more examples:
— Bought George Floyd's mom a house
— Paid tuition for 9 HBCU students
— Bought 200+ kids Christmas presents
With Irving being so private, these stories typically don't come out for months — Which makes you wonder, how many more are there?
— Bought George Floyd's mom a house
— Paid tuition for 9 HBCU students
— Bought 200+ kids Christmas presents
With Irving being so private, these stories typically don't come out for months — Which makes you wonder, how many more are there?
11) Ultimately, with his generosity in mind, we should all be asking the same question:
Why do 90% of sports fans know that Kyrie Irving wasn't wearing a mask last week, yet only 10% know that he's donated millions of dollars to various organizations?
Again, negativity sells.
Why do 90% of sports fans know that Kyrie Irving wasn't wearing a mask last week, yet only 10% know that he's donated millions of dollars to various organizations?
Again, negativity sells.
12) Here's how I think about it:
People often advocate for athletes' mental health, but the second they do something wrong, they immediately criticize them.
Just like you and I, athletes make bad decisions also.
The difference?
They're constantly in the spotlight.
People often advocate for athletes' mental health, but the second they do something wrong, they immediately criticize them.
Just like you and I, athletes make bad decisions also.
The difference?
They're constantly in the spotlight.
13) Rather than focus on the negativity surrounding his decision to go home, we focus on the bigger picture at hand.
It's clear, Kyrie Irving is a genuinely good person.
In the end, that's really what matters.
It's clear, Kyrie Irving is a genuinely good person.
In the end, that's really what matters.
14) If you enjoyed this thread, you should:
1. Follow me, I tweet cool sports business stories every day.
2. Subscribe to my free daily newsletter where I give a detailed analysis on topics involving the money and business behind sports. http://readhuddleup.com
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Use code "JOE25" for 25% off at http://athleticbrewing.com
