Steve, I wrote this in a previous column with no usual response from you. Figured I'd try again.
The spotlight needs to start going on Nash, Marks and Tsai.
Marks and Nash have a history of being noncontroversial and protecting Nets players. Even when Irving disappeared last season Marks stayed safe and said nothing bad of it.
However, Marks needs takes a stand (along with Nash and Tsai) and be clear that Irving is in the wrong. I know Marks doesn't want to rock the boat, but saying nothing and protecting Irving only amplifies the message that not getting vaccinated is an appropriate choice - and it is not.
People are dying - and the population that is not getting vaccinated is a major part of the reason why. If Marks, Nash and Tsai do not stand up for vaccinations it would be a stain on the organization forever.
Kareem had a great analogy "You either join the line to save your neighbor's home, or you stand by and let it burn because you don't owe them anything," If Irving is 'standing by and letting it burn' that's his choice. But to add to that analogy Marks, Nash and Tsai need to speak up NOW. Saying nothing condones this behavior.
Sorry, must have missed the notification of your first reply. Also sorry but I must disagree. By the Nets laying low, the spotlight is where it should be--on Irving. He has no valid reason to not get vaccinated. The ESPN report I referenced in the column clearly stated that various members of the organization have been speaking to Irving, hoping to sway him in the right direction. They're just not airing out what they're privately saying to him in public, which is smart in the big picture of the franchise. As soon as the brass makes a harsh statement, the headlines will shift to a war between individual player's rights versus the team, away from the vaccine.
Steve, I wrote this in a previous column with no usual response from you. Figured I'd try again.
The spotlight needs to start going on Nash, Marks and Tsai.
Marks and Nash have a history of being noncontroversial and protecting Nets players. Even when Irving disappeared last season Marks stayed safe and said nothing bad of it.
However, Marks needs takes a stand (along with Nash and Tsai) and be clear that Irving is in the wrong. I know Marks doesn't want to rock the boat, but saying nothing and protecting Irving only amplifies the message that not getting vaccinated is an appropriate choice - and it is not.
People are dying - and the population that is not getting vaccinated is a major part of the reason why. If Marks, Nash and Tsai do not stand up for vaccinations it would be a stain on the organization forever.
Kareem had a great analogy "You either join the line to save your neighbor's home, or you stand by and let it burn because you don't owe them anything," If Irving is 'standing by and letting it burn' that's his choice. But to add to that analogy Marks, Nash and Tsai need to speak up NOW. Saying nothing condones this behavior.
Sorry, must have missed the notification of your first reply. Also sorry but I must disagree. By the Nets laying low, the spotlight is where it should be--on Irving. He has no valid reason to not get vaccinated. The ESPN report I referenced in the column clearly stated that various members of the organization have been speaking to Irving, hoping to sway him in the right direction. They're just not airing out what they're privately saying to him in public, which is smart in the big picture of the franchise. As soon as the brass makes a harsh statement, the headlines will shift to a war between individual player's rights versus the team, away from the vaccine.