Kyrie Irving Sep 26, 2022; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) talks to the media during media day at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Kyrie Irving is a lot of things but before the Brooklyn Nets game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Irving talked about WNBA star Brittney Griner, who just had her 32nd birthday and is currently detained in a Russian prison.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix tweeted that in his pregame speech, Irving pleaded for Griner’s release and return to the United States and told President Joe Biden to “do your job.”

There is a bit of irony to what Irving said given he didn’t play for most of the 2021-22 NBA season for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Irving played 29 games toward the end of the season when mandates were getting more and more relaxed.

Nevertheless, even as many agree with the sentiment of getting Griner released from prison and returning home, many took note of the person saying that and pointed out the irony.

https://twitter.com/AmazhangAsian/status/1582896903158894592?s=20&t=reRTOcXxrgyq_rG_9NZo6A

https://twitter.com/PlantBasedChad/status/1582881864951349250?s=20&t=reRTOcXxrgyq_rG_9NZo6A

Steph Curry also talked about Griner during the Golden State Warriors’ ring ceremony. The star point guard made it a point to keep thinking of Griner, to continue talking about her, and pray and hope everyone is doing their part to get her home.

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.

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