Kyrie Irving is finally speaking out publicly about his anti-vaccine choice ... explaining he believes nobody should be told what to do with their bodies -- and he's tired of feeling "demonized" over his decision.
The Brooklyn Nets star -- who's been barred from playing and practicing with his team until he either gets the vaccine or gets some sort of exemption -- broke his feelings down on the matter in a lengthy video on his social media page Wednesday.
In his talk with his camera, which lasted over 20 minutes, Irving repeated over and over again he's against vaccine mandates.
In his explanation, Irving made it clear he wants people to be able to make their own decisions on the shots without a threat of potentially losing their jobs, livelihood and money.
The NBA star added he's tired of hearing critics blast him for his decision ... saying he hasn't done anything criminal.
"I haven't hurt anybody," Irving said. "I haven't committed a crime. I'm not out here acting dumb, stupid. I'm out here taking care of my family, my kids."
Irving said he would not retire over it all ... but did not reveal his plan for getting back on the court despite his strong, anti-vax stance.
Sean Marks says the decision on Kyrie Irving was made by himself and Joe Tsai: pic.twitter.com/vHvQ2UjF6B
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) October 12, 2021
The Nets, meanwhile, have stated they're moving on from Irving in wake of his decision ... with the team's general manager, Sean Marks, saying this week, "we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability."
Brooklyn is slated to begin its season next week against the Milwaukee Bucks.