NBA: Kyrie Irving Suspended Indefinitely

Photo: NBC Sports

BROOKLYN, NY — The Brooklyn Nets suspended guard Kyrie Irving for five games without pay Thursday. The suspension resulted from Irving’s repeated failure to "unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs.” Only a day earlier, Irving and the Nets had announced, in conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League, that each would be donating $500,000 to anti-hate causes. Following his suspension, Irving issued an apology for the social media post that made headlines, as the post highlighted antisemitic tropes. Although an apology was issued, many are claiming it was too late despite Irving’s effort.

Irving is known for always speaking his mind and standing by it. Going back to 2020, when Iriving refused to get vaccinated, he ended up playing only 29 games in 2021-22, which many fans believe cost the Brooklyn Nets season due to his decision. Despite those claims, Irving said he did not feel any guilt about missing the Nets Games as he did what he believed was right. Has Irving’s decision-making cost his team to reap the consequences? At this point, we’re seeing a pattern stemming from Irving's refusal to comply with meeting the NBA’s standards. Is Irving the problem?

Initially following his social media post, Irving had refused to apologize to the press earlier Thursday. In response to Irving’s refusal, the Nets said Irving is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."

The Nets released this statement:

"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.”

In response to the news of his suspension, Irving penned a lengthy apology via Instagram.

Irving wrote: "To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize. I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary. I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti- semticism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with. I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all."

Irving also added that the movie "contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibly for my actions."

NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver shared:

"While we appreciate the fact that he agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and, more specifically, denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicize," the commissioner said in a statement released minutes before Irving spoke.

Additionally, Silver said in the statement that he would be meeting with Irving in person within the next week. As of now, the team refused to give Irving a contract extension this summer after he was unavailable for so much of last season. Irving opted into the final season of his contract, making it possible he would be in the final season with the team.

We will keep you updated on this developing story.