Kyrie Irving pushing for players to skip NBA return in social reform stand

The Athletic reported the Nets guard — who is one of the player association’s vice presidents — led a call with more than 80 players, including union president Chris Paul, Nets teammate Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Donovan Mitchell and Dwight Howard late Friday night. On the call, which lasted more than an hour, the players discussed the possibility of sitting out the restart, which is scheduled to begin in late July, because of coronavirus issues and as a way to make a stand against social injustice…

“I’m willing to give up everything I have [for social reform],” The Athletic reported Irving, who was lost for the season in March because of a shoulder injury, said on the call…

“I don’t support going into Orlando,” The Athletic reported Irving, who is not expected to play because of injury, said on the call. “I’m not with the systematic racism and the bulls–t. Something smells a little fishy.”