Fri Jul 25 08:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

Kyrie Irving has broken his silence on his departure from the Brooklyn Nets, attributing it to the team’s pressure for him to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Irving, who refused the vaccine due to personal beliefs, revealed he asked the Nets to release him, even acknowledging the financial implications, but the team declined. His absence significantly impacted the Nets’ performance and team chemistry. He was eventually traded to the Dallas Mavericks after a first round playoffs exit.

**News Article:**

**Kyrie Irving Says Vaccine Stance Led to Nets Fallout: “Just Let Me Go Somewhere”**

Brooklyn, NY – In a recent Twitch stream, Kyrie Irving revealed the primary reason for his tumultuous departure from the Brooklyn Nets: his refusal to comply with New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Irving stated that the team’s pressure for him to get vaccinated, combined with his personal beliefs, created an untenable situation that ultimately led to his request to be released.

“Even the people that I was in business with were pro-vaccine,” Irving said. “And I’m like, ‘Okay look, that’s fine, just leave me the f—k out of this, let me go somewhere.’ I even told the Nets to release me.”

Irving’s refusal to be vaccinated resulted in him missing a significant portion of the 2021-2022 season, costing him financially and disrupting the Nets’ championship aspirations. With Irving sidelined, Kevin Durant and James Harden had to carry the load, which hindered the team’s chemistry and development.

Nets General Manager Sean Marks acknowledged the difficult position, stating at the time, “He has a choice to make, and he made his choice… These are hard decisions.”

Irving, who stated he was neither pro nor anti vaccine, eventually returned to the court for road games but the team suffered an early playoff exit. He was eventually traded to the Dallas Mavericks the following season.

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