Stephen A. Smith expresses regret for past comments about Kyrie Irving
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 4:19 AM
Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Stephen A. Smith addressed his past criticism of Kyrie Irving during his podcast on July 31, 2026. He expressed regret for calling Irving detrimental to the Brooklyn Nets' championship hopes amid the player's COVID-19 vaccine standoff during the 2021 season. Smith acknowledged his responsibility in making those remarks and stated, 'I did him wrong.' He emphasized the need to improve his approach in the future. Irving, who has been vocal about his stance on vaccines, faced considerable backlash during the pandemic over his decision not to play due to vaccination mandates in New York City, leading to his limited participation with the Nets.
- •Stephen A. Smith criticized Kyrie Irving during his 2021 vaccine stance.
- •He expressed regret for his previous remarks on his podcast.
- •Smith stated he needs to do better in his commentary.
- •Irving's vaccine refusal limited his play with Brooklyn.
- •Smith's comments reflect ongoing discussions about player activism.
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith apologizes to Kyrie Irving over COVID-19: ‘It made him brave’
- 4:19 AMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith vows to ‘do better’ after past criticism of Kyrie Irving
"Stephen A. Smith nearly died from COVID-19 in early 2022, but four years later, he’s ready to declare Kyrie Irving was right about the pandemic. Irving was one of the most prominent sports figures who led the charge against the COVID-19 vaccine years ago. In response, Smith was often one of his loudest critics, calling…
"Stephen A. Smith said on his eponymous podcast that he regrets his remarks on Kyrie Irving, who was a staunch critic of the league’s COVID protocols nearly six years ago. During Irving’s controversial standoff with the Brooklyn Nets, where the…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2026, 3:00 PMStephen A. Smith apologizes to Kyrie Irving over COVID-19: ‘It made him brave’
Stephen A. Smith nearly died from COVID-19 in early 2022, but four years later, he’s ready to declare Kyrie Irving was right about the pandemic. Irving was one of the most prominent sports figures who led the charge against the COVID-19 vaccine years ago. In response, Smith was often one of his loudest critics, calling…
- Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2026, 4:19 AMStephen A. Smith vows to ‘do better’ after past criticism of Kyrie Irving
Stephen A. Smith said on his eponymous podcast that he regrets his remarks on Kyrie Irving, who was a staunch critic of the league’s COVID protocols nearly six years ago. During Irving’s controversial standoff with the Brooklyn Nets, where the…
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