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NEW YORK – Instead of speaking to reporters as part of media week, Nets goalie Kyrie Irving opted to send a written statement on Friday afternoon.
“Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to make sure my message is conveyed correctly,” the statement read in part. “I am determined to show up for work every day, ready to have fun, compete, perform and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues from the Nets organization.
Usually, teams pick a day before training camp starts and make the majority of their roster available to reporters. The league’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols require that only a handful of players be allowed into the training facility at a time. As a result, the league teams hosted a media week with a few players made available to reporters virtually every day.
The league’s media policy requires that active players be accessible to journalists during practices and games. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
“COVID-19 has affected us all in so many ways, so I pray for the safety and health of our communities at home and abroad. I am so excited that the season is starting and I also pray that everyone stays safe and healthy throughout this trip. Irving said in the remainder of the statement. “… My goal this season is to let my work on and off the court speak for itself. Life has hit differently this year and it forces us, it forces me to move differently. So that’s the beginning of this change. “
Irving only played 20 games for the Nets in the 2019-20 season due to a shoulder injury. He underwent surgery to repair his right shoulder in March. Kevin Durant, DeAndre Jordan and Caris LeVert are among the Nets players who worked with Irving during the offseason. All three players noted that Irving appeared to be back in shape from before the injury.
The Nets start their group training camp on Sunday and kick off their preseason on December 13.
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