The Brooklyn Nets have suspended Kyrie Irving without pay for at least five games, possible longer, until he “satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct.”
The suspension comes hours after Irving spoke to the media once again to address the fallout of his recent Tweets and contentious postgame media session regarding anti-Semitic rhetoric espoused in a documentary Irving had mentioned on his social media.
Here is the Nets’ official statement on the suspension:
“Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing anti-Semitic hate. We believed that taking the path of education in this challenging situation would be the right one and thought that we had made progress with our joint commitment to eradicating hate and intolerance.
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.
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 are of the view 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.”
The Nets’ next game is Friday night against the Wizards, and the earliest he can return from suspension is next Sunday, Nov. 13, when the team visits the Lakers in the second game of a western swing.
Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN
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