Report: Kyrie urged Nets to sit out restart, proposed starting own league
In a recent group text with members of the Brooklyn Nets, star guard Kyrie Irving urged his teammates to sit out the remainder of the NBA season, a source told the New York Daily News' Stefan Bondy.
Irving suggested the players could start their own league, according to Bondy. However, sources told Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks that Irving never broached the possibility with Nets players.
Furthermore, following Bondy's initial report, the six-time All-Star reportedly left the Nets players' group chat.
Irving, who serves as a vice president on the National Basketball Players Association's executive committee, has been a vocal opponent of the NBA's tentative plan to continue the 2019-20 season.
The 28-year-old has organized calls with his fellow players to discuss their concerns and reportedly helped form a coalition of athletes aimed at addressing social justice and health concerns.
Reportedly among the group's concerns are the league's role in the international discourse on social justice and the treatment of black people, and the health protocols for when the season resumes at Walt Disney World in July.
The NBA will allow any player who is uncomfortable with resuming play to sit out for the rest of the season. The player would receive no discipline beyond forfeiture of salary for every game missed - around 1.1% per contest - but they reportedly must inform their team by June 24.
Those excused by their team or deemed at-risk by a physician would be able to sit out for the remainder of the year while retaining their salary.