LeBron James Defends Kyrie Irving, Calls Nets’ Reinstatement Requirements ‘Excessive’: “He Should Be Playing”

LeBron James came to former teammate Kyrie Irving‘s defense Thursday, saying that the Brooklyn Nets guard’s apology for tweeting a link to an antisemitic film warrants him a return to the court.

“I told you guys that I don’t believe in sharing hurtful information,” James tweeted. “And I’ll continue to be that way but Kyrie apologized and he should be able to play. That’s what I think. It’s that simple.”

He continued, “Help him learn- but he should be playing. What he’s asked to do to get back on the floor I think is excessive IMO. He’s not the person that’s being portrayed of him. Anyways back to my rehab session.”

the floor I think is excessive IMO. He’s not the person that’s being portrayed of him. Anyways back to my rehab session.

— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 10, 2022

Irving last Thursday was suspended by the Nets for at least five games without pay and given a series of reinstatement requirements after he initially refused to apologize for tweeting out a link to the antisemitic film, “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!”

"I'm a beacon of light. I'm not afraid of these mics, these cameras. Any label you put on me I'm able to dismiss because I study. I know the Oxford dictionary."

Kyrie Irving with a lengthy answer on the public reaction to his sharing of an anti-Semitic film on social media: pic.twitter.com/JgG9hOFQiU

— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) November 3, 2022

Following the announcement of his suspension, Irving apologized for amplifying the video. However, the Nets also listed out a number of requirements he must complete in order for him to return the court, including apologizing and condemning the film, donating $500,000 to anti-hate causes, completing sensitivity and antisemitism training, meeting with the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish leaders, and speaking with Nets owner Joe Tsai to show his understanding of the situation.

Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:

– Apologize/condemn movie
– $500K donation to anti-hate causes
– Sensitivity training
– Antisemitic training
– Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
– Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2022