Kyrie Irving Opens Up On His Flat-Earth Conspiracy Theory

In a surprise guest appearance on Kai Cenat's Live stream on Thursday, Mavericks star Kyrie Irving offered a new perspective on his history with the flat earth conspiracy theory. Opening up to thousands of viewers, Irving issued a warning against his prior behavior and explained why he got into so much trouble:

"Do I still think the earth is flat? Nah but I got into so much trouble for that," said Irving. "Be careful with that because a lot of people believe the earth is flat or believe it’s round."

After some further questioning from the group, Irving explained why sharing his flat-earth conspiracy was taken in such a negative light and set the record straight on what he was trying to say.

"In history, it's been said before. People have said that the earth is flat. But at the end of the day, it's not about whether it's flat it's questioning what is going on around you. The whole point behind was questioning what was going on. When they came down on me for that, what else was out there? I was labeled as a conspiracy theorist."

The flat earth conspiracy has always been controversial in modern media but it didn't stop Irving from casting his lot with them back in 2017. In an appearance on the 'Road Trippin' podcast, he claimed the earth was flat and that "they lie to us" on the true nature of the planet.

Even back then, however, Irving was quick to walk back his claims. He clarified that the comment was meant to be taken as a way to challenge the status quo rather than a way to challenge modern science. Nevertheless, the whole ordeal caused serious blowback for Iring, both in the form of his public image and his financial wealth.

It cost him countless sponsorships and a whole lot of goodwill among the fans, but it's not even the lowest it got. After leaving the Cavaliers, he's had various failed stints with the Celtics, Nets, and now the Mavericks.

There's also Irving's dilemma during the COVID-19 crisis when he refused to get vaccinated on account of his personal beliefs. The decision sowed chaos within the Nets organization and Irving still carries much of the blame to this day.

Currently, Kyrie is working to re-make his image and rebuild his reputation as a winner and a leader for the Dallas Mavericks. Alongside Luka Doncic, he's thrived both on and off the court in an environment where he's free to be himself.

This season, through 18 games, Irving is averaging 24.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds on 50.9% shooting from the field. He's fresh off his fourth NBA Finals appearance and has carried the Mavericks to an 11-8 record in the West. 

Irving has come a long way from his days as a flat-earther, and he's learned how to become a great leader for the Mavericks. Now, it's time for him to put it together and make another championship run to prove his status once and for all.

Irving and the Mavericks' next game will be on Saturday, November 30th, at Delta Center at 9:30 PM EST. They follow it up the next day against the Trail Blazers, in Moda Center, at 9:00 PM EST. Finally, they return home for a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at 8:30 PM EST.