NEW YORK — Got a problem? Blame it on Kyrie Irving.
For over three weeks on various ESPN platforms, Stephen A. Smith and Jay Williams have been going at it over Kyrie Irving’s decision to decline being vaccinated for COVID-19. Williams has applauded Irving, characterizing him as a man of conscience who is taking a principled stand. SAS said Irving’s decision is the latest example of his “selfishness” and lack of “commitment” to the game.
“Every time you turn around, there’s an excuse for this man [Irving] not to work,” an indignant Smith said on Thursday’s edition of First Take. “… You [Williams] are just waving the pom-poms for Kyrie.”
The story took a twist this week when Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19. The Free World flashed back to last August when the Green Bay quarterback was asked if he had been vaccinated. Rodgers said “yes,” he had been “immunized,” which is not the same as being vaccinated. This high-profile pitchman for an insurance company (Will it pull its ads off NFL games this weekend?), and a face-man for Roger Goodell’s NFL, not only lied but put anyone who came in contact with him at risk of catching COVID-19.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America/TNS
Kyrie Irving (11) of the Brooklyn Nets during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Oct. 3, 2021 in Los Angeles. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/TNS)
This didn’t escape Williams who, on the air sitting across from Smith, said SAS’ Thursday commentary on the Rodgers situation (SAS matter-of-factly called the QB a liar) was not delivered with the same bad intentions as his Irving soliloquies. “You didn’t show the same energy and passion,” Williams said on the air. “You set the tone for this network. That energy you start a conversation with matters to me.”
Did Smith empty his Passion Tank by dumping all that poison on Kyrie? Is SAS, and other bloviators, really hung-up on Irving’s vaccination stance or his history of being a non-conformist?
See, Smith was not the only commentator who didn’t pounce on Rodgers.
Didn’t jump him the way they jumped ugly on Irving after he said he wanted to be a “voice for the voiceless” who are losing their jobs because they refuse to be vaccinated. Irving has stated his position, albeit in a rambling soliloquy. He has not lied. He has not sued anybody. He mostly stood in the background while standing his ground.
Rodgers lied. On Friday he doubled-down on “The Pat McAfee Show” saying he is allergic to ingredients in the vaccines. He also accused the media of being on a “witch hunt” to identify players’ vaccination status. He scolded the media for not asking follow-up questions in August. He said he would have told them he is not an “anti-vax, flat-earther” but is a “critical thinker.”
Yet contrast this criticism. Compared to the hit Irving took, it has focused on smokescreens. Or Rodgers’ use of the word “immunized.” Or his claiming to take home treatments to boost his immune system. Or insisting that the “woke mob is coming for him.” Or the Packers organization should be blamed because it “had to know” Rodgers was not vaccinated. Or whether the NFL should be blamed because it “had to know” one of its superstars was putting other people at risk.
The NFL establishment is probably madder at Rodgers because they had to yank his name off the marquee of Sunday’s Chiefs-Packers late-afternoon tilt on Fox. Patrick Mahomes vs. Jordan Love doesn’t have the same kind of ring to it, does it? No doubt Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will discuss the Rodgers situation, while Fox and NFL suits privately wonder how losing the Packers superstar QB will negatively impact the ratings.
No problem. They can just blame the whole thing on Kyrie Irving.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Ethan Miller
The cost to attend an NFL game is the most expensive among the major four sports leagues with an average cost of $157.07. The cheapest NFL team to watch live is the Cincinnati Bengals with an average cost of $105.69. Here are the five most expensive.
Ethan Miller
The cost to attend an NFL game is the most expensive among the major four sports leagues with an average cost of $157.07. The cheapest NFL team to watch live is the Cincinnati Bengals with an average cost of $105.69. Here are the five most expensive.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Ethan Miller
The Las Vegas Raiders moved into Allegiant Stadium prior to the 2020-21 season. Among NFL teams, the Raiders have the most expensive general admission ticket ($153.47), most expensive beer ($13) and most expensive hot dogs ($7.50).
Ethan Miller
The Las Vegas Raiders moved into Allegiant Stadium prior to the 2020-21 season. Among NFL teams, the Raiders have the most expensive general admission ticket ($153.47), most expensive beer ($13) and most expensive hot dogs ($7.50).
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Daniel Shirey
Levi's Stadium opened in 2014. To attend a San Francisco 49ers game is the second-most expensive among NFL teams and third-most expensive among all four major sports leagues.
Daniel Shirey
Levi's Stadium opened in 2014. To attend a San Francisco 49ers game is the second-most expensive among NFL teams and third-most expensive among all four major sports leagues.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Tom Pennington
The parking at AT&T Stadium is the most expensive of all the four major sports leagues. It costs more for parking at a Dallas Cowboys game ($75) than attending a Los Angeles Dodgers game ($70.66).
Tom Pennington
The parking at AT&T Stadium is the most expensive of all the four major sports leagues. It costs more for parking at a Dallas Cowboys game ($75) than attending a Los Angeles Dodgers game ($70.66).
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Jayne Kamin-Oncea
The Los Angeles Rams moved into SoFi Stadium prior to the 2020-21 season. The Rams sell the most expensive hot dogs among NFL teams with an average price of $7.50.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea
The Los Angeles Rams moved into SoFi Stadium prior to the 2020-21 season. The Rams sell the most expensive hot dogs among NFL teams with an average price of $7.50.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Dylan Buell
The Green Bay Packers are the only franchise owned by stockholders. The average price for a Green Bay Packers fan to attend a game at Lambeau Field with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $192.93.
Dylan Buell
The Green Bay Packers are the only franchise owned by stockholders. The average price for a Green Bay Packers fan to attend a game at Lambeau Field with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $192.93.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Jonathan Daniel
The average cost to attend an MLB game with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $67.39, which is the cheapest of the major four sports leagues.
Jonathan Daniel
The average cost to attend an MLB game with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $67.39, which is the cheapest of the major four sports leagues.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Jon Durr
Watching the Chicago Cubs comes at a hefty price. Wrigley Field is the most expensive MLB game for fans to attend with an average price of $109.78.
Jon Durr
Watching the Chicago Cubs comes at a hefty price. Wrigley Field is the most expensive MLB game for fans to attend with an average price of $109.78.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Maddie Meyer
Among all the MLB teams, the Boston Red Sox have the priciest general admission ticket. The average ticket price at Fenway Park is $60.09.
Maddie Meyer
Among all the MLB teams, the Boston Red Sox have the priciest general admission ticket. The average ticket price at Fenway Park is $60.09.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Ezra Shaw
At $29, the parking at Yankees Stadium is the most expensive of all MLB stadiums.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
ALEX EDELMAN
The most expensive hot dog of all MLB stadiums can be found at a Washington Nationals home game. Hot dogs cost fans $7.25 at Nationals games.
ALEX EDELMAN
The most expensive hot dog of all MLB stadiums can be found at a Washington Nationals home game. Hot dogs cost fans $7.25 at Nationals games.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Tim Warner
The average price for Houston Astros fans to attend a game at Minute Maid Park with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $89.83.
Tim Warner
The average price for Houston Astros fans to attend a game at Minute Maid Park with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $89.83.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Rob Carr
The NBA is the second-most expensive league in terms of attending a game with an average cost of $120.13.
Rob Carr
The NBA is the second-most expensive league in terms of attending a game with an average cost of $120.13.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Alex Goodlett
An average New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden will cost fans $260.38, the most expensive of all of the four major sports leagues. Among NBA teams, the Knicks have the most expensive general admission tickets ($180.78), most expensive parking ($45) and most expensive hot dog ($8.50).
Alex Goodlett
An average New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden will cost fans $260.38, the most expensive of all of the four major sports leagues. Among NBA teams, the Knicks have the most expensive general admission tickets ($180.78), most expensive parking ($45) and most expensive hot dog ($8.50).
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Ezra Shaw
The Golden State Warriors moved into Chase Center before the 2019-20 season and became the second-most expensive NBA game to attend with an average cost of $230.30. The Warriors sell the most expensive hot dogs in the NBA with an average cost of $8.50.
Ezra Shaw
The Golden State Warriors moved into Chase Center before the 2019-20 season and became the second-most expensive NBA game to attend with an average cost of $230.30. The Warriors sell the most expensive hot dogs in the NBA with an average cost of $8.50.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Sean M. Haffey
It's no surprise that attending a Los Angeles Lakers game is expensive. The average cost for Lakers fans to attend a game at Staple Center with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $190.76.
Sean M. Haffey
It's no surprise that attending a Los Angeles Lakers game is expensive. The average cost for Lakers fans to attend a game at Staple Center with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $190.76.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Elsa
The TD Garden has been the home of the Boston Celtics since 1995. The average price for a Boston Celtics fan to attend a game at TD Garden with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $167.16.
Elsa
The TD Garden has been the home of the Boston Celtics since 1995. The average price for a Boston Celtics fan to attend a game at TD Garden with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $167.16.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Jonathan Daniel
Even though the Chicago Bulls missed the playoffs with a 22-43 record during the 2019-20 season, the United Center was still the fifth-most expensive NBA stadium to attend a game with an average cost of $154.01.
Jonathan Daniel
Even though the Chicago Bulls missed the playoffs with a 22-43 record during the 2019-20 season, the United Center was still the fifth-most expensive NBA stadium to attend a game with an average cost of $154.01.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Adam Glanzman
While it's not as cheap as the average price to attend an MLB game, an NHL game is still reasonable compared to an NFL or NBA game. The average cost for a NHL game with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $114.47.
Adam Glanzman
While it's not as cheap as the average price to attend an MLB game, an NHL game is still reasonable compared to an NFL or NBA game. The average cost for a NHL game with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $114.47.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Bruce Bennett
Even though an average New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden isn't as expensive as a New York Knicks game, it's still the most expensive game to attend in the NHL with an average cost of $182.43. The Rangers also sell the most expensive beer in the league, which will set a fan back $15.
Bruce Bennett
Even though an average New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden isn't as expensive as a New York Knicks game, it's still the most expensive game to attend in the NHL with an average cost of $182.43. The Rangers also sell the most expensive beer in the league, which will set a fan back $15.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Bruce Bennett
The parking at TD Garden for a Boston Bruins game will cost an average of $29, the most expensive among NHL teams.Including a ticket, two beers, a hot dog and the parking, a Bruins game will cost an average of $162.36.
Bruce Bennett
The parking at TD Garden for a Boston Bruins game will cost an average of $29, the most expensive among NHL teams.Including a ticket, two beers, a hot dog and the parking, a Bruins game will cost an average of $162.36.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Claus Andersen
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the most popular hockey team in Canada, and the ticket prices prove it. Scotiabank Arena offers the most expensive general admissions ticket in the NHL with an average ticket costing $128.69.
Claus Andersen
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the most popular hockey team in Canada, and the ticket prices prove it. Scotiabank Arena offers the most expensive general admissions ticket in the NHL with an average ticket costing $128.69.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Jonathan Daniel
Even though the Chicago Blackhawks finished last in the Central Division during the 2019-20 season, the United Center still sets a fan back $153.63 to attend an NHL game.
Jonathan Daniel
Even though the Chicago Blackhawks finished last in the Central Division during the 2019-20 season, the United Center still sets a fan back $153.63 to attend an NHL game.
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When a hockey stick breaks, everyone has to lend a helping hand
Ethan Miller
The newest addition to the NHL is the Las Vegas Golden Knights and T-Mobile Arena where the average price to attend a game is $153.36. The Golden Knights are home to the most expensive hot dog in the NHL, which will cost a fan $7.
Ethan Miller
The newest addition to the NHL is the Las Vegas Golden Knights and T-Mobile Arena where the average price to attend a game is $153.36. The Golden Knights are home to the most expensive hot dog in the NHL, which will cost a fan $7.
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Bob Raissman: Kyrie Irving and Aaron Rodgers get very different criticism as unvaccinated sports stars
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images North America/TNS
Aaron Rodgers (12) of the Green Bay Packers reacts during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at TIAA Bank Field on September 12, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images/TNS)
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images North America/TNS
Aaron Rodgers (12) of the Green Bay Packers reacts during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at TIAA Bank Field on September 12, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images/TNS)
