Stephen A. Smith admits polarizing NBA star Kyrie Irving was 'right' about Covid anti-vax stance

While Stephen A. Smith's vitriol for LeBron James hasn't gone anywhere, the ESPN pundit now views Kyrie Irving more favorably after years of criticizing the polarizing NBA star.

Speaking with Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony on the 7PM In Brooklyn podcast, Smith now concedes that Irving was 'right' about his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

'Kyrie's a good brother,' Smith told Anthony. 'We used to butt heads because he used to miss work too damn much.'

The 2021-22 season in Brooklyn may best be remembered for Irving's refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19, in violation of local health guidelines. The NBA did not have a vaccine mandate in place, but did order players to follow local laws, which meant that Irving was initially sidelined for all home games.

Not wanting any part-time players, the Nets brass decided to hold Irving out of road games before relenting in December of 2021 and allowing him to suit up away from Barclays Center. Still, New York mayor Eric Adams kept the vaccine mandate in place until March of 2022, when he decided to exempt athletes and performers from the rule, thus clearing the way for Irving's return.

'And I'm like, yo man, this brother's electrifying, I want to see this brother dancing on the basketball court,' Smith said, recalling his friction with Irving. 'I don't want to hear no s*** about no COVID vaccines. Get your a** on the court. We see you.'

Smith now concedes that Irving was right for his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine, although the ESPN star didn't offer any specific reasons as to why.

'Now, obviously in hindsight, the brother's right because we see all the conspiracy theories that came out,' Smith said. 'And props to him for having the foresight to see that. We didn't see that at the time.'

It's unclear which conspiracy theory or theories Smith was referring or why the ESPN host now sees it as proof that Irving was right.

COVID-19 was blamed for more than 1.2 million deaths between January of 2020 and May of 2023.

'We're all taking the risk,' Smith said of getting the vaccine. 'Kyrie said 'no.' Props to him, but I didn't see it that way.'

Now a member of the Dallas Mavericks, Irving is recovering from a torn ACL in his knee, but is expected to return in early 2026.

When he does return, the 33-year-old will be paired with fellow first-overall pick and Duke product Cooper Flagg.