After the Brooklyn Nets decided on Tuesday that star player Kyrie Irving won’t be allowed to play with the team until he gets a COVID-19 vaccine, the Nets guard came forward to share his thoughts on the latest happenings between him and the Brooklyn Nets.

Also Read | Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving benched until he gets COVID vaccine: Team

Irving, who remains ineligible to play in NBA home games at Barclays Center in Brooklyn because he is yet to fulfill New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement said on Wednesday that he didn’t want to lose salary or a chance to compete for a championship with the Brooklyn Nets, but was doing “what’s best for me” by refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Irving is of the view that he is fighting something bigger than basketball, the consequences of which are resulting in a conflict with the franchise he plays for in the NBA, the Brooklyn Nets.

Also Read | How Brooklyn Nets could line up without star Kyrie Irving

Kyrie went live on Instagram to share his side of the story, saying he loved basketball and retiring isn’t an option.

“I am doing what’s best for me. I know the consequences here and if it means that I’m judged and demonized for that, that’s just what it is,” Irving said. 

“That’s the role I play, but I never wanted to give up my passion, my love, my dream just over this mandate.”

Irving is ineligible to play in the home games, which means he won’t be paid for his absence resulting in him missing out on about half of his $35 million salary by missing the home games.

“So what? It’s not about the money,” Irving said. 

“It’s not always about the money. It’s about choosing what’s best for you. You think I really want to lose money?”

Also Read | NBA: Nets star Kyrie Irving set to lose $380,000 over vaccination status

In his Instagram Live, Irving expressed his appreciation for doctors and said he supported the people who got vaccinated. 

There was no indication during his Instagram Live that the All Star guard is against vaccination, just that he was deciding not to go ahead with it.

“Once again, I’m going to repeat this. This is not about the Nets, this is not about the organization, it’s not about the NBA, it’s not politics,” Irving said. “It’s not any one thing.

“It’s just about the freedom of what I want to do.”

With the kind of star power lined up at the Brooklyn Nets, Irving is aware that he has a shot at the championship with them. Irving said he is aware of the possibilities and opportunities that come with the Nets and doesn’t want to miss them.

The Brooklyn Nets management is happy to welcome back Irving but under the right circumstances.

On his retirement and future in basketball, Irving said “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 and there still so many other (youngsters) to inspire, because I know they want to be better than me.”