Magic Johnson Addresses Kyrie Irving Vaccination Drama: "I Would Never Do That"

BYErika Marie6.5K Views
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Magic Johnson
The sports icon belies Irving is "letting down" his team by hurting their "chances of winning a championship."

The future of Kyrie Irving's career is unclear as the vaccination mandates continue to loom. The Brooklyn Nets star has been the focal point of political and sports conversations as his decision to remain unvaccinated is debated from coast to coast. It has been shared that Irving will sit out of home games due to protocols, and while people have agreed that he has the right to do with his body what he pleases, that has not stopped Irving from receiving criticism.

A name that continues to surface during these discussions is NBA icon Magic Johnson who, back in 1991, revealed to the world that he had been diagnosed with HIV. He immediately retired but would later return before bowing out of the league for a final time in 1996.

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Johnson recently sat down with CBS News and addressed the ongoing vaccination controversy plaguing the NBA and stated that players who refuse to receive the vaccine are "letting down" their teammates.

“You have said to your teammates, ‘I’m gonna be there for you,’” Johnson said. “Well, you can’t be there if you don’t get vaccinated. You letting them down. And then that hurts our chances of winning a championship. I would never do that to my teammates. Never.” The sports legend was vaccinated earlier this year and has made his vaccination status public.

“I got my two shots and made sure I put it out on social media,” he added. “I wanted, especially my community to know, first of all, it’s safe. And the players, again, people listen to them, they follow them. That’s very important.” Watch Magic Johnson on CBS News below.


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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