Nets Suspend Kyrie Irving

November 4, 2022

By: Carlos Alvarez

Kyrie Irving Suspended At Least 5 Games Without Pay After Failure to Apologize for Promoting Antisemitic Film

The off-the-court issues never end for the Brooklyn Nets. Point guard Kyrie Irving — who infamously missed much of last season due to his vaccination stance — has been suspended for at least five games. The announcement came on Thursday after Irving was given yet another opportunity to apologize for his recent tweet promoting a film with antisemitic messaging. Both Irving and the team had already pledged to donate $500,000 each to anti-hate causes, but Irving’s failure to offer a sincere apology — despite being given another chance in a post-practice media session — caused an uproar. NBA commissioner Adam Silver called for Irving to publicly apologize earlier in the week. He eventually posted an apology on social media after the suspension.

 

Brooklyn Nets 2022 Turmoil

The Nets are just eight games into the 2022 season, but they’ve already been the case study of dysfunction. Ben Simmons has continued to struggle on the court. Head coach Steve Nash was fired earlier in the week giving Kevin Durant his offseason wish. And now, another Irving saga has led to a five-game suspension, and it could be more significant.

 

\”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… We are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.” — Team Statement

 

Additional Storylines

ABC News: Nets Suspend Kyrie Irving for Failing to ‘Disavow Antisemitism’

NY Post: Kyrie Irving Finally Releases Apology After Refusal Prompted Nets Suspension

 

Photo: Dustin Satloff / Getty Images