Saturday, September 23, 2023
HomeLifeKyrie Irving suspended for at least 5 games by Brooklyn Nets after...

Kyrie Irving suspended for at least 5 games by Brooklyn Nets after antisemitic social media posts. USA TODAY

Kyrie Irving suspended

The Brooklyn Nets suspended star guard Kyrie Irving for at least five games without pay on Thursday for refusing to “unambiguously state that he has no antisemitic sentiments, nor address particular racist elements in the film” (he shared on Twitter). This was not the first time he had the option – but did not use it – to clarify,” the club stated in a statement.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during the third quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on November 01, 2022, in New York City. Kyrie Irving suspended. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during the third quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on November 01, 2022, in New York City. Kyrie Irving suspended. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

The Nets issued a forceful rebuke in a 207-word statement hours after Irving spoke with reporters, but they hesitated to provide a straight apology and refused to admit he had antisemitic sentiments.

Brooklyn Nets’ reaction over the antisemitic comments

“Such reluctance to denounce antisemitism when given a clear chance to do so is very upsetting, goes against our organization’s principles, and constitutes conduct harmful to the team,” the Nets stated. We believe he should no longer be linked with the Brooklyn Nets as a result. We’ve come to the decision that Kyrie will serve a five-game, no-pay suspension unless he takes a number of objective corrective measures that deal with the consequences of his actions.

Brooklyn Nets
NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on November 01, 2022, in New York City. Kyrie Irving suspended. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Irving sparked the uproar last week when he sponsored “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” a phony video riddled with antisemitism and fabrications.

Despite a statement by Nets owner Joe Tsai to the NBA, Irving originally refused to back down from his social media post. The Nets and Irving made a $1 million commitment – $500,000 each – to groups that work to “eradicate prejudice and intolerance” on Wednesday.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s response over the antisemitic comments of Irving

NBA commissioner Adam Silver replied early Thursday, saying he was unhappy Irving “has not given an unreserved apology and, more particularly, has not rejected the disgusting and damaging sentiments included in the clip he decided to broadcast.”

Kyrie Irving
NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on November 01, 2022, in New York City. Kyrie Irving suspended. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Irving got the opportunity to do so with reporters on Thursday afternoon.

The Nets remarked, “We have tried many times in last few days to contact Kyrie Irving to make him understand to realize the risk and consequence of his words and actions, which began with his uploading a tape containing very cruel antisemitic bigotry.” We agreed that, in these trying times, pursuing a career in education would be the best option, and that our shared goal of eradicating hatred and prejudice had yielded results.

The 2-6 Brooklyn Nets, who play in Washington on Friday, are mired in scandal. According to many sources, they sacked Steve Nash as a coach on Tuesday and suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka was quickly recognized as the leading option to replace Nash.

Read more related articles:

Michel Lewis
Michel Lewis
Journalist | Media | Blogging. These Three Words Describe Me in The Best Way. I Am a Journalist with 3 Years of Experience. I have a small team who helps us to find the news at local level and write news article.
RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular