Nets' Kyrie Irving Reportedly 'Willing to Give Up Everything' for Social Reform

During a conference call Friday, NBPA vice president Kyrie Irving came out against resuming the NBA season, reportedly telling those on the call he was "willing to give up everything I have" to battle systemic racism in the wake of protests and unrest around the country. 

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported details about the call:

After the NBPA previously voted 28-0 to go forward with the league's plan to restart the season at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, with 22 teams, the Brooklyn Nets star helped organize and lead a call Friday evening to discuss the merits of playing basketball at a time when social justice issues are at the forefront of the nation's consciousness. 

Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks reports the majority of the call was focused on social justice reform, though players did give some attention to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. To that end, Charania noted Donovan Mitchell, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard were among those who spoke up about "possibly sitting out" when the league restarts. 

Irving wasn't the only member of the NBPA's leadership on the call. Also on the line were union president Chris Paul and vice presidents Malcolm Brogdon, CJ McCollum and Garrett Temple. 

McCollum reportedly advised players to prepare for a "financial dip" should they chose not to play in Orlando as well as collective bargaining repercussions from the league's owners. 

According to Charania, Howard believes "playing in Orlando will become a distraction from the issues the country is facing, and that they need to unify and use this moment to create a change."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told players Thursday that those who do not want to participate in the league's restart plan are under no obligation to do so.