Thursday, the Brooklyn Nets announced that star point guard Kyrie Irving will be punished for “no less than five games” for failing to repudiate antisemitism.
On the weekend, Irving posted a link to the film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” on Twitter and Instagram. No caption was posted by Irving alongside the link.
The film, which is available on Amazon, contains antisemitic stereotypes and Hitler-attributed remarks.
—Pablo Torre (@PabloTorre)
October 31, 2022
Saturday, after posting a link to the film on social media, Irving engaged in a heated exchange with ESPN’s Nick Friedell in which he denied endorsing the film. Irving consistently defended releasing the film, stating that he would not “back down” from his ideas, although claiming that he was not targeting any particular race or religion.
—𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA)
October 30, 2022
The Nets and the Anti-Defamation League announced on Wednesday that the team and Irving would each donate $500,000 to “causes and organizations that seek to eradicate bigotry and intolerance in our communities.”
Irving acknowledged the “damage” he had caused the Jewish community in his statement, but he did not offer an apology.
Irving added in the statement, “I abhor all forms of intolerance and injustice and stand firmly with communities that are oppressed and affected daily.” “I am conscious of the bad impact my position has had on the Jewish community, and I accept responsibility for it. I do not think everything presented in the documentary to be truthful or consistent with my ideals and values. I am a person who intends to learn from all walks of life with an open mind and a desire to listen. My family and I have no ill will against any group, ethnicity, or religion of people, and we only aim to be a beacon of truth and love.”
Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News said that Irving did not meet with the Anti-Defamation League in person, but instead sent his father and stepmother/agent.
In a statement released on Thursday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed concern over Irving’s lack of apologies.
Silver’s response said, “I am unhappy that [Irving] has not issued an unconditional apology and more clearly condemned the terrible and damaging message contained in the film he chose to promote.” In the coming week, I will meet with Kyrie in person to discuss this matter.
After not interacting with the media earlier in the week, Irving addressed reporters on Thursday and, in another difficult encounter, again avoided apologizing.
Irving stated that he was responsible for circulating the clip but denied creating it.
Irving stated, “When I reiterate that I’m not going to back down, it has nothing to do with disregarding any other race or group of people; I’m just proud of my heritage and what we’ve endured.” “Because this has pitted me against the Jewish community, and because I’m here answering questions about whether I’m sorry or not for something I didn’t make but shared, and because I’m telling everyone that I accept responsibility, this is where I stand.”
When asked if he holds antisemitic views, Irving responded: “I do not understand how the designation is justified… I respect and embrace people from all walks of life. Here is where I sit… I cannot be antisemitic if I am aware of my origins.”
In a statement, the Nets deemed Irving “unfit” to play for the organization.
The statement said, “We were concerned that, when given the opportunity during a media session today, Kyrie declined to categorically clarify that he does not hold antisemitic views or recognise particular antisemitic content in the film.” “This was not the first time he had the chance to clarify, but he failed to do so.
“This refusal to condemn antisemitism when presented with a clear opportunity to do so is profoundly unsettling, against to our organization’s values, and detrimental to the team. Consequently, we believe he is currently unsuitable for affiliation with the Brooklyn Nets.”
The Nets’ statement implies Irving’s suspension could be extended if he does not apologize for distributing the clip.
“We have determined that Kyrie will serve a suspension without pay until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the negative consequences of his conduct, with the minimum suspension time being five games.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski remarked on “SportsCenter” on Tuesday, “According to SportsCenter, Irving’s future in Brooklyn is uncertain.
“He will need to rectify this situation. I believe that his future in Brooklyn is currently uncertain.”