Nets Suspend Kyrie Irving for ‘No Less Than Five Games’

Kyrie Irving has been suspended by the Brooklyn Nets.

The announcement comes hours after Irving spoke at a media session and, according to a press release from the Nets, “refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film.” Irving will need to meet a “series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct” before he can return to the team. 

His suspension will last for “no less than five games.” Read the Nets’ statement below.

On Wednesday, Irving and the Nets pledged $500,000 each to “causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities” in a joint statement with the Anti-Defamation League. 

“I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility,” Kyrie said in the statement. “I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles.” 

Irving spoke with reporters on Thursday after failing to appear in two consecutive post-game press conferences following his tense exchange with ESPN reporter Nick Friedell. Nets general manager Sean Marks said Kyrie’s absence was part of their goal to address the situation “in the right form and fashion.” 

During his six-minute media session on Thursday, Irving once again took responsibility for the post, but never offered an apology. When asked if he had anti-Semitic beliefs, Kyrie sidestepped the question, saying, “I cannot be antisemitic if I know where I come from.”

The artist formerly known as Kanye West has chimed in on Irving’s situation on Twitter. 

As is the custom with Ye, once he got started, he wasn’t going to stop. 

West also shared a photo of an article in which Amar’e Stoudemire criticized Irving, claiming “they make us attack each other.”

Stoudemire was likely asked for his opinion because he converted to Judaism in 2020, one year after receiving his Israeli citizenship.

According to SNY reporter Ian Begley, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt will decline Irving’s donation.