Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving has opened up on his decision to refuse the coronavirus vaccine, claiming that he is "doing what is best" for him.
The 29-year-old is ineligible to feature in the NBA due to the New York City vaccine mandate, which states that all athletes must be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to compete.
General manager Sean Marks has also ruled out the prospect of Irving only featuring in away matches, and the point guard has since defended his decision not to be vaccinated.
Irving said on Instagram live: "Do what's best for you, but I am not an advocate for either side. I am doing what's best for me. I know the consequences here, and if it means that I'm judged and demonised for that, that's just what it is, that's the role I play.
"No, I'm not retiring, and no, I'm not going and leaving this game like this. There's still so much more work to do."
Irving - a seven-time NBA all-star - started 63 games for the Nets last season and was part of the USA team that won the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics.
Ben Knapton
