Kyrie Irving has been a bit of a pariah in the media over the years, getting slammed for things like his “flat earth” theory, not showing up to the Nets’ media day, going off the grid despite having a game to play, and even ripping on his former teammate, LeBron James.
However, no one can deny that, despite the media’s constant attempts to paint Irving in a negative light, his humanitarian side always shines through. Irving has donated millions over the years to various charities, and the most recent recipient of his largesse is none other than Mari Copeny.
Copeny is currently working to ensure the people of Flint, Michigan, have access to safe and clean water. According to Sportsmanor, Copeny is only 16, but she’s been on this journey since she was 8 years old. So far, she’s given away more than 100 million water bottles to local communities. And with Irving’s sizeable donation of $50,000, her cause is sure to get even bigger.
When word of his donation spread on social media, fans hailed the Dallas Mavericks point guard for his boundless generosity.
Irving and clean water
Via NBA Central: Kyrie Irving recently made a $50K donation to Mari Copeny, who is actively working to provide the Flint, Michigan community with access to clean and safe water ❤️
Kyrie Irving recently made a $50K donation to Mari Copeny, who is actively working to provide the Flint, Michigan community with access to clean and safe water ❤️
(Via https://t.co/be13vXG1kx) pic.twitter.com/GEOlkVEHBM
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 10, 2023
Under NBA Central’s post, many fans defended Irving, saying that he does not deserve all the criticism that he has received in the past.
One fan wrote, “Please keep the positive Kyrie news coming. Can we please change the narrative surrounding this man?”, imploring the media to alter the tenuous narrative they have been telling about Irving for so long.
While another one commented, “This is out of character not for Kyrie but for the press to print something positive about Kyrie.”
And another one chimed in, saying that his humanitarian efforts are underappreciated, “His philanthropic endeavors don’t get enough spotlight.”
Kyrie Irving’s performance in 2023-2024 season
On court, Irving has also put up a good fight alongside Dallas Mavs superstar Luka Doncic, in their first eight bouts of the season. They currently place second in the Western Conference rankings, behind only the Denver Nuggets, with a record of seven wins and two losses.
"No fear… selflessness is gonna get us this win tonight"
-Kyrie Irving before the Mavs' season-opening W 🗣️
Tonight the Mavs take on the Nuggets in the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament! 🏆
📺 10pm/et on ESPN | West Group B Play pic.twitter.com/E1v5MHFGrp
— NBA (@NBA) November 3, 2023
So far, Irving’s stats have been promising this season, logging an average of 21.3 ppg with 4.1 rpg and 6.7 apg.
Cover Photo: YouTube