The Brooklyn Nets have suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five games deeming him as “currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.”
Many thought everything was all good with Irving after acknowledging that he hurt the Jewish and pledging to donate $500K along with the Brooklyn Nets.
Thursday night, the Brooklyn Nets released a statement announcing the suspension of Irving.
“Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing antisemitic hate,” the Nets said.
On Thursday, Kyrie Irving met with the media and again refused to apologize directly, which seemingly was the last straw for the Nets.
“We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity — but failed — to clarify.”
The statement continued, “Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team. Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.”
The Nets concluded with, “We have decided that Kyrie will serve a suspension without pay until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct and the suspension period served is no less than five games.”
