What did Kyrie Irving say on Twitch? Cobalt mines rant leaves internet divided

Kyrie Irving has never been afraid to speak his mind and use his free speech to comment on social issues. However, Irving has been mum since getting in hot water for promoting an antisemitic film on Twitter.

That all changed following the Dallas Mavericks' 113-106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday (Mar. 8) night, though. Irving logged in to his Twitch account and ranted about the media right after arriving in Dallas from New Orleans.

Irving discussed a variety of topics like sports gambling, media, racism and his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. One of the comments that got the attention of fans was about the cobalt mines in Congo.

"How am I free if I know kids are still working in the cobalt mines in the Congo, making Teslas," Irving said.

Kyrie Irving is alluding to the cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. According to ABC News Australia, the nation has the largest known deposit of cobalt in the world. Cobalt is mainly used for batteries, which is the future of a world trying to go green.

Enter Tesla, the Elon Musk-owned company that makes electric cars. The issue with cobalt mines in the Congo is the alleged exploitation of one of the poorest countries in the world. Men, women and children endure harsh conditions in the mines, while the pay doesn't warrant the danger of it.

In fairness to Tesla, they have started using cobalt-free batteries in some of their vehicles. Nevertheless, the alleged exploitation of Congo's resources and people is difficult to ignore, and Irving might be the most popular person to comment on it.

Fans on social media reacted to Irving's comments on cobalt mines. As usual, Twitter was divided and agreed with the Mavericks star, while others made some counter arguments.

Here are some of the comments from Twitter:

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Dallas Mavericks need Kyrie Irving to carry them while Luka Doncic recovers

Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks received some good news on Thursday regarding Luka Doncic's left thigh strain. The MRI results came back negative, but Doncic has no timeline of recovery. He will be available once he feels better, as per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

With the Western Conference loaded from top to bottom, the Mavericks will have to rely on Kyrie Irving more than ever to keep them afloat. Irving has had success without Doncic, currently 2-0 as a Maverick without his superstar teammate. Together, though, the dynamic duo are just 3-6 this season.

Nevertheless, Irving has been playing amazingly for the Mavericks since he was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets. He's averaging 27.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals, shooting 51.2% and 41.4% from beyond the arc.