UA group of protesters gathered outside the Barclays Center before the game between the Nets and the Hornets to show their support for Kyrie Irving and protest the ban that prevents him from playing NBA games because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 . “Let Kyrie play” and “my body, my choice” were some of the slogans sung.
There were just a hundred people who, blocking the traffic first and then jumped and pushed the access fences to the pavilion until they reached the main entrance, where they were contained by the security members with some scenes of tension.
“The Barclays Center briefly closed its doors in order to clear protesters from the main entrances and ensure that guests could safely enter the pavilion. Only fans with tickets were allowed into the building and the game went smoothly.” a spokesman for the compound said in a statement.
Irving hasn’t played in any of the Nets’ three games until after the franchise decided he wasn’t a part-time player capable of playing only away games. The team has said they will welcome Irving once he fulfills the city’s mandate.
“I chose not to be vaccinated and that was my choice. I ask everyone to just respect that choice. I will continue to stay in shape, I will be ready to play with my teammates and be a part of it all. This is not a Political issue. It is not about the NBA, it is not about any organization. It is about my life and what I choose to do, “the point guard said in a meeting on Instagram to explain his decision.