PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on February 01, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Why did Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving get suspended by the Nets in the 2022 season?
The Brooklyn Nets suspended their star player Kyrie Irving on Thursday, over his promotion of a film portraying anti-Semitic sentiments and repeated refusal to apologize or acknowledge his beliefs. This comes after Irving posted a tweet promoting a film full of anti-Semitic tropes and disinformation, and failed to even acknowledge his beliefs or issue an apology for his actions.
Kyrie Irving has been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late. The Brooklyn Nets superstar did have a good start to the NBA season, but it all went downhill for him after he posted a tweet promoting a film portraying anti-Semitic tropes and disinformation. The tweet went viral in no time, and it was not too long before the Brooklyn Nets and owner Joe Tsai put out statements.
Even though the Nets owner’s statement condemned the promotion of hatred based on race, religion or ethnicity, Kyrie did not apologize for promoting his sentiments when asked for his opinion on being criticized. Even when fans began to attend games with “Fight Anti-Semitism” on their shirts, Kyrie failed to acknowledge his beliefs or make an apology for his actions.
However, due to further pressure, Kyrie eventually did release a joint statement with the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League saying that both he and the Nets would be donating $500,000 each to causes and organizations that deal with the eradication of anti-Semitic beliefs. However, it was not enough as only hours later – the news broke that Irving was suspended by the Nets.
It has been reported that Kyrie has been suspended for at least five games without pay.
The Brooklyn Nets released a statement revealing their reasoning behind the suspension of Kyrie Irving, and listed the 2016 NBA champion’s constant refusal to firmly establish that he has no anti-Semitic beliefs or sentiments despite being given the chance to do so multiple times.
“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 said in a statement.
This news comes as a further blow to the already struggling Nets this season.
More News:
• Kyrie Irving and Nets pledge to donate $500,000 each after recent anti-Semitism controversy
• Fans show their displeasure to Kyrie Irving by wearing “Fight Anti-Semitism” shirts at Nets game