KYRIE IRVING FINALLY APOLOGIZES TO JEWS — BUT ONLY AFTER HE WAS SUSPENDED!
By Jerry Wein
The Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five games without pay because of his repeated failure to “unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs,” with Irving later issuing an apology for his social media post last week about a book and movie that feature antisemitic tropes.
Irving had refused to apologize during a post-practice media session earlier Thursday, and the Nets subsequently said Irving is “currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.”
“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.”
About four hours after the Nets announced his suspension, Irving issued an apology, which many, including NBA commissioner Adam Silver, had wanted sooner.
In an Instagram post, 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 wrote 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 responsibility for my actions.”
