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Kyrie Irving came under heavy criticism after he refused to take the NYC-Mandated COVID-19 vaccination during his time with the Brooklyn Nets. Refusing to take the vaccine barred him from participating in any of the Nets’ home games at Barclays Center.
One of his biggest critics was media pundit Stephen A. Smith.
Stephen A. Smith Apologizes to Kyrie Irving
However, after hearing the recent testimony from former Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the ESPN star is ready to walk back his criticism of Kyrie.
“Kyrie Irving did nobody wrong. We did him wrong. I did him wrong. And for that, I’m sincerely sorry,” Smith said.I need to do better,” Smith added. “I’m not alone, but I’m responsible for me. I need to do better. And I will.”
On Wednesday (July 29, 2026), Dr. Fauci testified before a Republican-led Senate committee. Concerning the origins of COVID-19 and pandemic policies. During his testimony, Dr. Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself 111 times. Declining to answer any questions.
Smith says that Fauci’s silence speaks volumes. And that refusing to answer any of the questions directed at him on the stand is a justification of the skepticism that was held by Irving and a host of other athletes.
“That suspicion alone justifies the skepticism, the cynicism, and the doubt that came along with the Kyrie Irvings, the Aaron Rodgers, the Novak Djokovics of the world. They weren’t as wrong as we thought they were,” Smith added.
At the time of writing, Irving has not responded to Stephen A.’s comments.
