NBA franchise Brooklyn Nets announced star guard Kyrie Irving's indefinite suspension from the league for refusing to apologize for the promotion of the film that contains 'deeply disturbing anti-Semitic hate'. The 30-year-old guard hasn't even acknowledged the 'specific hateful material in the film'.
The seven-time NBA All-Star promoted an anti-Semitic film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America" on Twitter and failed to clarify during a postgame conference on Saturday. However, the star guard and the Nets on Wednesday announced to donate $500,000 each to 'eradicate hate and intolerance'.
On Thursday, Irving was again given a chance to rectify his mistake but the guard failed to denounce the hateful content in the film. The Nets released a statement announcing Irving's suspension without pay until he "satisfies series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct."
Brooklyn Nets suspend Kyrie Irving without pay
Following Irving's failure to apologize for the hate he promoted through the film, the Nets said in a statement, "We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no anti-Semitic 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 added, "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."
Additionally, Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt backed Brooklyn Nets' decision to suspend the point guard and said, "We were optimistic but after watching the debacle of a press conference, it’s clear that Kyrie feels no accountability for his actions. @ADL cannot in good conscience accept his donation."
Kyrie Irving apologizes on Instagram
After receiving heavy criticism from the league, his team, fans and former players, Kyrie Irving has finally offered an apology to the Jewish families and communities for 'posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation'.
Irving took to his official Instagram account and posted a black picture with a caption, "While doing research on YHWH, I posted a Documentary that 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."
Irving, who is averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists, will miss Brooklyn’s road game against Washington Wizards on Friday and could possibly return at least after November 12. The suspension will cost Irving at least $1.25 million in salary, according to the NBA rules.