Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving looks out during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh) (Jessie Alcheh, AP)
The Brooklyn Nets suspended guard Kyrie Irving for at least 5 games without pay over his continued refusal to disavow antisemitism.
The suspension was handed down Thursday hours after Irving refused to publicly apologize for his recent actions after NBA commissioner Adam Silver demanded one. It also comes the same day the FBI warned synagogues in New Jersey a credible threat had been received, leading to the 24-hour closure of at least one house of worship.
“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 Nets said in a statement.
“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 guard apologized late Thursday night with a black square image on Instagram.
“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,” the caption read in part.
“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. I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am.”
Irving and the Nets had previously promised to each donate $500,000 towards causes and organizations working to eradicate hate and intolerance.
Irving has been roundly criticized after he shared a since-deleted Tweet about “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” a documentary chock full of antisemitic rhetoric.
According to Rolling Stone, “The video is based on a venomously antisemitic book which asserts that “many famous high-ranking Jews” have “admitted” to “worship[ing] Satan or Lucifer.”
Nets’ owner Joe Tsai released a statement condemning Irving late last Friday.
“I want to sit down and make sure he understands this is hurtful to all of us, and as a man of faith, it is wrong to promote hate based on race, ethnicity or religion,” Tsai tweeted.
Fans wearing “Fight Antisemitism” shirts were spotted court-side at Barclays Center during Monday’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
Irving refused to back down after the Nets practiced Thursday.
“I cannot be antisemitic,” Irving said, “if I know where I come from.”
“Again, I’m going to repeat. I don’t know how the label becomes justified because you guys ask me the same questions over and over again,” he said. “But this is not going to turn into a spin-around cycle, questions upon questions. I told you guys how I felt. I respect all walks of life and embrace all walks of life. That’s where I sit.”
Irving is expected to meet with commissioner Silver next week.
This is a developing story.
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Originally published at Tribune News Service