Photo: Erik Drost · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Born in Australia · Nationalities Australian, American — Sport / basketball
Documented profile covering 12 controversies, including “2023: trade request from Nets and claims of disrespect before move to Dallas” and “2021–2022: refuses Covid vaccination, temporary exclusion by Nets and partial return”.
Profile No. 1676 · Updated on 12 October 2026
§ Legal statuses reflect the documented sources as of the date shown; they replace neither court decisions nor the presumption of innocence. Counts are not a rating. Methodology
2023-02
After contract discussions in Brooklyn failed, Irving requested a trade. The Nets sent him to Dallas a few days later, ending a spell marked by several lengthy absences and controversies.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2021-10–2022-03
Irving declined Covid-19 vaccination. New York's public health rules prevented him from playing home games, and the Nets initially decided that he would neither play nor train until he could participate full-time, before allowing him to play away games.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2022-01
The NBA fined Irving $25,000 for obscene language towards a fan.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2022-04
During a playoff game in Boston, Irving made obscene gestures towards the crowd and directed profane language at spectators. The NBA fined him $50,000.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2022-10–2022-12
Irving shared a link to a film containing antisemitic claims. After several days during which he did not clearly disavow antisemitic beliefs, the Nets suspended him for at least five games. Nike suspended and then ended its commercial relationship with him.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2021-01
During a period when he was absent from the team for personal reasons, Irving was filmed attending an indoor family party. The NBA concluded that he had breached the league's Covid health protocols.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2021-05
Following further repeated refusals to participate in mandatory post-game media availability, the NBA fined Irving $35,000 and the Nets another $35,000.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2020-12
Irving repeatedly refused to fulfil media obligations under NBA rules. The league fined both Irving and the Brooklyn Nets $25,000 each.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2018-12–2019-03
During a difficult season in Boston, Irving publicly criticised the experience and habits of his younger teammates. His remarks, combined with inconsistent results, fuelled debate about his leadership.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2017-02–2018-10
Irving publicly stated that the Earth was flat, fuelling scientific misinformation and drawing criticism from teachers and scientists. He initially maintained a degree of ambiguity on the subject.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2018-11
Following a defeat in Denver, Irving threw the game ball into the stands, upset that an opponent had attempted to score when the result was already decided. The NBA fined him $25,000.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
2017-10
The NBA fined Irving $25,000 for directing inappropriate language towards a fan.
Last verified: 13 September 2026
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