Nets punish Kyrie Irving for at least 5 games he apologizes
Nets punish Kyrie Irving for at least 5 games he apologizes, After repeatedly failing to “unambiguously affirm he has no antisemitic sentiments,” the Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five games without pay on Thursday. Irving later apologized for his social media post from last week about a book and movie containing antisemitic motifs.
Thursday after practice, Irving refused to apologize, and the Brooklyn Nets later stated that Irving is “now unfit to be involved with the Brooklyn Nets.”
“When given the chance today during a media conference, we were shocked to see that Kyrie refused to categorically deny having any antisemitic sentiments or to identify any specific offensive content in the movie. He had the chance to elaborate before, but each time he did not, “the Nets alleged
“It is highly troubling, goes against the principles of our organization, and constitutes behavior that is harmful to the team when someone refuses to denounce antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so. We believe that he is currently unsuited to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets as a result.”
Irving apologized four hours after the Nets announced his ban, which many, including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, had wished had happened earlier.
Irving apologized to any Jewish families and communities who were upset and harmed by his Instagram post. He said: “I am very sorry to have caused you sorrow. I originally responded emotionally to being falsely accused of being anti-Semitic rather than concentrating on helping my Jewish brothers and sisters who were wounded by the horrible comments aired in the documentary.
By apologizing for sharing the documentary without context and providing a factual explanation describing the particular points in the documentary I agreed and disagreed with, I want to clear up any misunderstanding about where I stand in the battle against antisemitism. I didn’t mean to offend anyone or spread any hate by disrespecting Jewish cultural history in relation to the Holocaust.
I assume full responsibility and accountability for my conduct, Irving continued, adding that the film “included some erroneous anti-Semitic assertions, narratives, and language that were inaccurate and hurtful to the Jewish Race/Religion.”
The point guard’s post-practice interview on Thursday made it plain that not much had changed despite the Nets’ claims that they made numerous attempts in recent days to assist Irving to grasp the harm and risk of his comments and actions.
Greenblatt tweeted following the Nets’ announcement of Irving’s suspension: “We were hopeful, but it’s obvious from watching the disastrous news conference that Kyrie doesn’t take responsibility for his conduct. In good conscience, @ADL cannot accept his donation.”
At an earlier point on Thursday, Silver also demanded Irving take responsibility.
While we are grateful that he agreed to collaborate with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to fight antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, the commissioner expressed disappointment that Irving had not extended an unqualified apology or specifically denounced the vile and harmful material in the movie he chose to promote.
The Nets have released Irving from the team for the second straight year. Last year, it was when he declined to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which disqualified him from participating in home games. They ultimately brought him back in December to participate in away games. When New York City’s vaccine requirement took effect in March, he was able to return in full.
Late last week, Kyrie Irving uploaded the since-deleted link, and following the Nets’ home loss to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, he obstinately defended his right to do so. In an effort to prevent further upsetting fans, the club requested that he refrain from speaking to the media after their two games this week, but Irving’s position remained unchanged.
He soon became defensive on Thursday, claiming that 300 million of his ancestors are buried in the nation and asking reporters why they weren’t focusing on the history of Black people in America.
Irving questioned, “Where were you guys asking those same questions when I was a kid learning about the traumatic events of my familial history and what I’m proud to come from and proud to stand here?” “And why, when I repeat myself that I’m not going to stand down, it has nothing to do with dismissing any other race or group of people,” Irving said.
The fact that this has pitted me against the Jewish community and I’m here answering inquiries about whether or not I’m sorry for something I didn’t create but rather shared with others, and I’m telling everyone I’m taking responsibility, then that’s where I sit. I’m just proud of my heritage and what we’ve been through.
Additionally, Irving was questioned particularly about his views on the Holocaust. Irving referred to the information in the movie as “those falsehoods,” calling them regrettable. “It’s also not that I don’t think the Holocaust happened.
Never have I said that. I’ve never, ever stated it. It did not originate with me. I didn’t tweet it. I’ve never enjoyed anything similar. Therefore, the Holocaust as a whole signifies something to a sizable group of individuals who suffered from something that could have been prevented.”
