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Supporters of basketball player Kyrie Irving in New York City
Photo: John Minchillo / AP
The Kyrie Irving case is one of the hot topics for the start of the new NBA season.
The Brooklyn Nets have excluded their build-up player from games and training with the team as long as they cannot be vaccinated against the corona virus.
Before the team's first home game in New York, numerous supporters of the player demonstrated in front of the Barclays Center.
It is not just about "Let Kyrie play!" - chants.
A group of people also broke through several barriers and tried to get into the stadium.
There were clashes with the security forces, but they were able to prevent a storm.
Images of the sometimes chaotic conditions spread in social networks.
The entrances to the hall had to be closed for a short time, although a large number of regular spectators wanted to enter.
The Guardian quotes one of the demonstrators who spoke of the struggle for "physical self-determination and independence."
Despite the ongoing dispute, Irving is currently not thinking of an end to his career.
The 29-year-old commented on the rumors for the first time on Instagram in mid-October.
“Don't think I'll retire.
Don't think I'll give up this game for a compulsory vaccination, ”Irving says in the video.
“I do what is best for me.
I know the consequences and if that means that I will be judged and demonized for it, then that's the way it is, ”he continues.
Irving speaks of "helping" others
It is about »helping others to understand that they have a choice.
But this is my life.
I can do what I want with it, ”said Irving in the emotional, not always completely coherent clip.
His decision had "nothing to do with the organization or the Nets or with the players".
The city of New York, where the Nets are based, requires indoor athletes to provide proof of vaccination.
Even for an NBA star like Irving, there is no exception.
Therefore, he will not be taken into account for training and match operations for the time being, as the team announced.
Irving had stressed over and over that his vaccination status was a private matter.
The Nets had stated that they were planning without the native Australian until he met the requirements to be a "full participant" again.
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