The Brooklyn Nets came on without Kyrie Irving as the guard begins his at least five-game ban over his anti-Semitism streak as the team tries to get back to winning ways against the Washington Wizards
- It’s been a turbulent week for the Brooklyn Nets and guard Kyrie Irving
- Irving was suspended for continuing to refuse to apologize for linking to social media a film based on a “toxically anti-Semitic” book
- After being suspended for at least five games on Thursday, he issued a due apology
- The Nets also fired manager Steve Nash this week after a poor start on the court
Life for the Nets without Kyrie Irving — for at least five games — has begun with Brooklyn taking on the Wizards away.
The Nets are 6-2 going into the game this season and have lost five of their last six games, although their poor play isn’t what’s been dominating the headlines lately.
Irving was suspended from the team Thursday night “until he has fulfilled a series of objective remedial actions addressing the deleterious effects of his behavior,” as he refused to answer whether he had anti-Semitic beliefs after sharing an anti-Semitic film on his Twitter account .
Irving posted a link to the Amazon page for the 2018 film Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America last week, and quickly found himself in hot water over the film’s anti-Semitic tropes.
Among other harmful ideas, it is claimed that “many famous high-ranking Jews have admitted to worshiping Satan or Lucifer.”
The film is based on a 2015 book of the same name.
Irving initially resisted the idea that he might share anti-Semitic ideas, saying Thursday he couldn’t be an anti-Semite “because he knows where he’s from.”
Irving apologized later that night – after the Nets suspended him – and said he was “deeply sorry” for his actions.
The Brooklyn Nets were on Friday night after a week of testing without Kyrie Irving
Irving finally apologized for his actions on Thursday — after the Nets suspended him from the team
FULL IRVING STATEMENT
While researching YHWH I released a documentary that contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives and expressions that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish race/religion and I take full responsibility and accountability for my actions.
I’m grateful to have a great platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward through an open dialogue to learn more and grow from it.
To all Jewish families and communities hurt and affected by my post, I am deeply sorry for causing you pain and I apologize.
I initially reacted emotionally to being unfairly labeled an anti-Semite, rather than focusing on the healing process of my Jewish brothers and sisters who were hurt by the hateful remarks in the documentary.
I would like to clear up any confusion as to where I stand in the fight against anti-Semitism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual statement outlining the specific beliefs in the documentary that I did and did not agree with have agreed.
I had no intention of disregarding Jewish cultural history related to the Holocaust or perpetuating hatred. I’m learning from this unfortunate event and I hope we can all come to an understanding. I’m no different than any other human being.
I am a seeker of truth and knowledge and I know who I am.
Kyrie
Nets general manager Sean Marks called the apology a “step in the right direction,” but “certainly not enough, and Nets’ statement announcing Irving’s suspension was very critical of the star.
“We have decided that Kyrie will serve an unpaid suspension until he meets a series of objective remedies that address the deleterious effects of his behavior and the suspension imposed is not less than five games,” the Nets statement said, in part.
“We were dismayed today at a media session to hear Kyrie’s refusal to state unequivocally that he has no anti-Semitic beliefs, nor to acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This wasn’t the first time he’s had the opportunity – but failed – to clarify.
Irving will miss at least five games for his team after the midweek anti-Semitism row
“Such a failure to reject antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply troubling, violates our organization’s values and constitutes behavior that is detrimental to the team. Accordingly, we believe he is not currently fit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.’
It took a while for Irving to come up with a full, unqualified apology.
Last Saturday, after a loss to the Pacers, Irving said he refused to “resign” and redoubled his beliefs.
“I’m only getting stronger because I’m not alone,” Irving said. “I have a whole army around me.”
Irving was also quoted in a joint statement with the Nets and Anti-Defamation League as saying he took responsibility for his actions and said he opposed it[d] all forms of hate and oppression and stand strong with communities who are marginalized and impacted every day.’
However, he didn’t specifically say he was sorry until Thursday night.