Irving ‘didn’t want to play’ after DC riots, not joining road trip

It seems that recent events in the United States are taking a toll on Brooklyn Nets star guard Kyrie Irving.

Following a much-needed win without Irving and Kevin Durant on Friday, January 8, Manila time, against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Nets are now reporting that Irving will not join their road trip for their game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Kyrie Irving will not fly with the Nets to Memphis tonight, a team spokesperson says.

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) January 8, 2021

This comes after the All-Star point guard revealed he “just didn’t want to play” against the Sixers due to the US Capitol riots, a decision that took rookie head coach Steve Nash by surprise. (READ: Nets’ Kyrie Irving skips game for personal reasons)

Steve Nash said he does not know why Kyrie Irving won't play tonight against the Sixers, as in, he is unaware of what KI's personal issue is. Nash said he reached out to Kyrie and did not hear back

— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) January 7, 2021

Source: Kyrie Irving sat out of tonight’s game because of what transpired on Wednesday in Washington DC.

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) January 8, 2021

Steve Nash says he just found out about Kyrie Irving’s absence. He reached out to Irving and the guard hasn’t responded yet. #Nets #NBA

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) January 7, 2021

The NBA, and much of the US, was rocked by the brash takeover done by supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump, that resulted in 4 deaths, and many more injuries.

A handful of coaches and players denounced the lax security enforced against the pro-Trump rioters, and wondered aloud about what could have happened had the protesters been African-Americans or of other non-white races.

"Could you imagine today, if those were all Black people storming the Capitol, and what would have happened?"

Doc Rivers comments on the pro-Trump mob breaching the Capitolhttps://t.co/b9f4mvSSIC pic.twitter.com/zdy6uhksTC

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 6, 2021

Although players held off on boycotting games last Thursday, January 7, many took a knee either during the US national anthem, or during the first possession of their respective games. (READ: NBA community reacts after Capitol riots)

As for Irving, he was already previously embroiled in off-court issues after he initially refused to talk to sports media, and called them “pawns.” He received a fine, and eventually resumed media obligations soon after.

The Nets currently have a 5-4 record in their first full season with a healthy Irving and Durant. – Rappler.com