He was at times vague and short, but also humble and expansive. He opened up, then shut down. In his first public comments since taking a personal leave of absence, Kyrie Irving left a lot unsaid.
The team’s superstar point guard explained his time away as “a lot of family and personal stuff,” but didn’t go into any further details, though it is believed the Jan. 6 riots in the nation’s capital — the day after his last game — played a role in his decision to step away. He said he needed a “pause” and sought help from others, but for what exact reason or reasons remains uncertain. He said he has addressed his teammates and members of the organization individually, but didn’t reveal what specifically was said.
“When things become overwhelming in life, you’ve just got to take a step back and realize what’s important,” said the 28-year-old Irving, who is expected to return against the Cavaliers on Wednesday in what would be the first game he, Kevin Durant and James Harden play together.
“And I love to play — it’s never been a question. I’ve committed myself, when this wasn’t even a thing for me.”
Irving, who missed the past seven games, declined to answer if he was aware he violated the league’s COVID-19 protocols when he attended an indoor birthday party. He was fined $50,000 and lost more than $800,000 in salary for the two games he missed while in mandated quarantine after footage showed him maskless at the event. Irving also was seen on a Zoom chat launch party for Manhattan District Attorney candidate Tahani Aboushi. When he was asked about his mental well-being, he merely nodded. Irving did apologize to the team’s fans.
“I take full accountability for my actions,” Irving said. “I am back, I am happy to be back, we got some great pieces and we move on and I let my actions and my game speak for itself like I planned on doing. I just needed a pause.
“My commitment has always [been] to bringing something special to Brooklyn. It wasn’t just a championship. It was unity, equality, just bigger things than just the game itself.”
In an indirect way, Irving also mentioned some of his own problems, admitting he had to be “honest with myself” and “called for help,” and he now has “many mentors” in his corner. Prior to last season, Irving said he regretted not reaching out for help after the loss of his grandfather when Irving was member of the Celtics.
Irving addressed the racial issues that have impacted this country — and played a role in his absence. He also confirmed he purchased a home for the family of George Floyd, a black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. This was just the latest example of Irving doing his part to help others. This summer, he committed $1 million to WNBA players who opted out of the season and partnered with City Harvest to provide 250,000 meals to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t affected by what’s going on in this world,” Irving said. “I want to make changes daily. There are so many oppressed communities and so many things going on that are bigger than a ball going in the rim.
“There’s a deeper level of emotions that I have for helping people and serving. There’s nothing normal about this life I live. Let me use this as a tool to be able to change things that I want to see in the world.”
Irving seemed to be suggesting he felt a burden trying to balance helping the Nets and his community. He also noticed the reaction by those he claimed think know him, but really don’t, while also admitting he hasn’t given them an opportunity to do so.
“It’s a two-way street,” Irving said.
He is now trying to balance the pursuits in life he discussed at length. For now, at least, Irving thinks he can tackle both at the same time.
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