It’s a game changer!
According to The Bleacher Report, Kyrie Irving just hired his stepmother, making way for her to possibly be the only Black woman representing an active NBA player.
Irving has had a rocky season, currently averaging 25.1 point, 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game this year. Due to Irving’s refusal to adhere to New York’s COVID mandates, he was banned from playing home games, only appearing in 15 of the Brooklyn Nets’ 63 game season after being benched for the first few months.
The Nets had originally decided to sit Irving out completely, bringing him in for away games only after the team lost numerous players due to injuries and health and safety protocols. Irving debuted on the court on January 5th, only one of the Nets big three, Kevin Durant sitting out because of a sprained MCL and Ben Simmons out as a result of a back injury. The Nets went just 9-21 this year, hoping to recover somewhat during the final games of the season.
Now, Irving has announced that he has new representation, hiring his stepmother, Shetellia Riley Irving, to be his new agent. The move is historic as Riley Irving is believed to be the only Black woman agent in the league representing an active player. Riley Irving is currently vice president of Ad Sales at BET.
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has hired Shetellia Riley Irving as his new agent. Shetellia Riley Irving is believed to currently be the only Black woman representing an active NBA player.
advertisement— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 3, 2022
Irving was previously represented by Roc Nation and the move comes at a critical time in his career, Irving holding a $36.6 million player option for the 2022-23 season. If he chooses to waive the option, the Nets star will become a free agent.
Congratulations, Shetellia! We’re rooting for you Kyrie!
Photo Courtesy of Benny Sieu/NY Post/Shetellia Riley Irving/LinkedIn