Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets superstar who has missed the first two months of the NBA season because he refuses to follow vaccine mandates, is now returning to the court despite his unwavering stance. The Nets made the announcement on Friday and faced an avalanche of backlash from the public.

"We arrived at this decision with the full support of our players and after careful consideration of our current circumstances, including players missing games due to injuries and health and safety protocols," Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement, according to ESPN. "We believe that the addition of Kyrie will not only make us a better team but allow us to more optimally balance the physical demand on the entire roster.”

Irving is still unable to play in Brooklyn's home games or their road games at Madison Square Garden because he refuses to follow New York’s vaccine mandate. However, he will be able to play in most other cities.

The Nets decided earlier in the season that they will not allow Irving to participate as a part-time player. However, they have now changed their stance.

Irving is required to test negative on five successive days before he can rejoin the team. The All-Star will also be allowed to practice in Brooklyn with the team. 

The public has expressed concern about the Nets' decision to bring back an unvaccinated player in a time where COVID-19 cases are surging in the league.

The Nets still have two remaining road games against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, where Irving would not be able to play unless he gets vaccinated. Brooklyn also has a game against the Raptors in Toronto on March 1. Unvaccinated players will be prohibited from entering Canada starting on Jan. 15.

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