Kyrie Irving’s suspension for anti-semitic conduct: What’s next for the Nets guard?
Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving has been suspended for posting a link to an anti-Semitic movie and refusing to apologize for it. What happens next?
The latest chapter in the Kyrie Irving saga began last week with him posting a link to a film that contains falsehoods and anti-Semitic statements.
The act sparked widespread outrage, and the Brooklyn Nets, Irving, and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement in response soon after, saying that the franchise and the player would each donate $500,000 to the non-profit organization to help fight anti-Semitism and hate.
Irving unapologetic at press conference
However, Irving spoke to the media after the joint statement was issued and appeared defiant. He did not apologize for his post, nor did he accept accountability for it. He also did not categorically state that he was not anti-Semitic.
There was more fallout after the press conference: NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that he was disappointed that Irving did not offer “an unqualified apology” or denounce “the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicize”. Silver said he would personally meet with the player in the next week to talk about the situation.
Irving suspended with no timeline for return
The Brooklyn Nets then announced that they were suspending Irving without pay “until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures” that would address the damage done by his behavior.
“We were dismayed today, when given the opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no anti-Semitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film,” according to the organization’s statement.
The Nets said the suspension would last for at least five games.
ADL rejects Kyrie’s $500,000 donation
Following the team’s announcement, the ADL said it would no longer accept Irving’s $500,000 donation because “It’s clear that Kyrie feels no accountability for his actions. ADL cannot in good conscience accept his donation.”
Irving says sorry
Hours after his suspension, Irving finally expressed some contrition over what he had done. In a post on Instagram, he admitted that the documentary contained false anti-Semitic statements, then wrote that he took full accountability for his actions. The 30-year-old also said he was “deeply sorry” to all Jewish families and communities that may have been hurt by his post.
It is yet to be seen if issuing an apology would help determine how long (or how short) the guard’s suspension would be.
The first pick overall in the 2011 NBA draft will be missing at least four games on the road and one at home. Irving is currently on the last year of his contract with the Nets, which means that this could very well be his last season with them.