The NBA’s Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving without pay for at least five games as controversy continues to swirl over their star player tweeting a link to a film widely seen as antisemitic.
The suspension came after a train-wreck press conference Thursday in which Irving, again, refused to disavow antisemitism specifically or apologize.
“We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he had no antisemitic beliefs. This was not the first time he had the opportunity — but failed — to clarify,” the Nets said in a statement.
“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. Accordingly, we have decided that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets. We have decided that Kyrie will serve a suspension without pay until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct and the suspension period served is no less than five games.”
Previously, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Irving’s attempts to explain away the controversy had fallen well short.
“Kyrie Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to a film containing deeply offensive antisemitic material,” Silver said in a statement. “While we appreciate the fact that he agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicize. I will be meeting with Kyrie in person in the next week to discuss this situation.”
The 30-year old Irving has a salary of $36.5 million this season, according to Spotrac.
Prior to the announcement of Irving’s suspension, both Irving and the Nets pledged to donate $500,000 apiece to “causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.”
The donations were announced Wednesday in a joint statement via the Nets, Irving and Anti-Defamation League.
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt took to Twitter after Irving’s press conference on Thursday to say “it’s clear that Kyrie feels no accountability for his actions” and that the ADL “cannot in good conscience accept his donation.”
Irving finally posted he was “deeply sorry” on his Instagram page, writing he takes full accountability and responsibility for his actions.
