Nets suspend Kyrie Irving at least five games without pay

[sonnyhill]

Breaking News from ESPN...

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34942326/nets-suspend-kyrie-irving-least-five-games-pay

Nets suspend Kyrie Irving at least five games without pay
ESPN News Services

NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five games without pay Thursday, dismayed by his repeated failure to "unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs."

Hours after Irving refused to issue the apology NBA commissioner Adam Silver sought for posting a link to an antisemitic work on his Twitter feed, the Nets said Irving is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."

"We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic 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.

"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."

The Nets said they made multiple attempts in recent days to help Irving understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, but it was clear during the point guard's interview after practice earlier Thursday that little had changed.

Irving again refused to apologize, saying only that he meant no harm. He said some things in "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America" were untrue, but he didn't say he shouldn't have posted a link to it.

"I'm not the one who made the documentary," Irving said.

He was later asked whether he had antisemitic beliefs, and he didn't say no.

"I cannot be antisemitic if I know where I come from," Irving said.

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt reacted to a video of Irving's response to that question on Twitter by writing: "The answer to the question 'Do you have any antisemitic beliefs' is always "NO" without equivocation.

"We took @KyrieIrving at his word when he said he took responsibility, but today he did not make good on that promise," Greenblatt added. "Kyrie clearly has a lot of work to do."

A day earlier, Irving and the Nets had announced, in conjunction with the ADL, that each would be donating $500,000 to anti-hate causes.

After the Nets announced Irving's suspension, Greenblatt tweeted: "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."

Silver also called for accountability from Irving earlier Thursday.

"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," the commissioner said in a statement released minutes before Irving spoke.

Silver said in the statement that he would be meeting with Irving in person within the next week.

It's the second straight season that the Nets have sent Irving away from the team. Last year it was when he refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19, making him ineligible to play home games. They eventually brought him back to play road games in December. He was able to return in full in March when New York City's vaccine mandate for athletes and performers was lifted.

Irving posted the since-deleted link late last week, then defiantly defended his right to do so after the Nets' home loss to Indiana on Saturday. The team had him not speak to reporters after their two games this week, hoping to avoid further upsetting fans, but the time away didn't change Irving's stance.

He quickly grew defensive Thursday, asking reporters why they weren't asking questions about the history of Black people in America, saying 300 million of his ancestors are buried in the country.

"Where were you guys asking those same questions when I was a kid learning about the traumatic events of my familial history and what I'm proud to come from and proud to stand here," Irving said, "and why when I repeat myself that I'm not going to stand down, it has nothing to do with dismissing any other race or group people.

"I'm just proud of my heritage and what we've been through and the fact that this has pinned me against the Jewish community and I'm here answering questions of whether or not I'm sorry or not about something I didn't create and was something I shared, and I'm telling everybody I'm taking responsibility, than that's where I sit."

Irving was also asked specifically about his beliefs regarding the Holocaust.

"Those falsehoods are unfortunate," Irving said, referring to content in the film. "And it's not that I don't believe in the Holocaust. I never said that. Never, ever have said it. It's not come out of my mouth. I never tweeted it. I never liked anything like it. So the Holocaust in itself is an event that means something to a large group of people that suffered something that could have been avoided."

The Nets said Irving's suspension would last "until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct."

The team refused to give him a contract extension this summer after he was unavailable for so much of last season. Irving opted into the final season of his contract, making it possible he is in the final season with the team.

The Nets are off to a 2-6 start, costing coach Steve Nash his job Tuesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[vincecarter4pres]

And people said to just max him lol.

[Shark]

He sat out the majority of last season to "give a voice for the voiceless". I wouldn't be shocked if this suspension goes well beyond 5 games because he wants to stick to his guns.

[LOUiS-D]

He sat out the majority of last season to "give a voice for the voiceless". I wouldn't be shocked if this suspension goes well beyond 5 games because he wants to stick to his guns.

Can we make a poll or gambling pot on this? I need a way to convert all this Brooklyn Nets related shame into something/anything else.

[ArksNetsSince99]

Does Durant still support Kyries views ?

[Hello Brooklyn]

Kyrie submarined the season and likely the rest of his career because he couldn't offer a simple apology.

He probably never plays another NBA game. He won't apologize and no other team will want to endorse his views.

Simmons doesn't even look close to ready.

Harris/Curry are clearly not in form.

Nash was horrific and fired.

Udoka will probably pass on this situation.

I can't fathom asking Durant to carry this team anymore

Just send KD home at this point and tank.

Houston will probably tank too so there is a solid chance we get a top 5 pick this year.

Then fire Marks in the off season.

If we keep dithering with these idiotic plans I may just stop following for a while. Mentally its not worth it.

[MrDollarBills]

He sat out the majority of last season to "give a voice for the voiceless". I wouldn't be shocked if this suspension goes well beyond 5 games because he wants to stick to his guns.

This is the end of his career.

[Hello Brooklyn]

He sat out the majority of last season to "give a voice for the voiceless". I wouldn't be shocked if this suspension goes well beyond 5 games because he wants to stick to his guns.

This is the end of his career.

Yeah he doesn't play again.

No team can sign him after this behavior.

And his own ego won't allow him to apolgize.

Kyrie can now go back to doing "research" full time. He doesn't want to be a professional athlete. He forgot the professional part.

[ArksNetsSince99]

Kyrie submarined the season and likely the rest of his career because he couldn't offer a simple apology.

He probably never plays another NBA game. He won't apologize and no other team will want to endorse his views.

Simmons doesn't even look close to ready.

Harris/Curry are clearly not in form.

Nash was horrific and fired.

Udoka will probably pass on this situation.

I can't fathom asking Durant to carry this team anymore

Just send KD home at this point and tank.

Houston will probably tank too so there is a solid chance we get a top 5 pick this year.

Then fire Marks in the off season.

If we keep dithering with these idiotic plans I may just stop following for a while. Mentally its not worth it.

All true except Durant was /is the problem as well with …
1- lack of leadership
2- blindly supporting anything Kyrie say’s or does
3- demanding a trade
4-high ego ( committed shipload of dumb turnovers ) then his last post game comments that is all right to commit turnovers by him

So no home for Durant ( send him for best return even if is Toronto,Sacramento , even Ohio )

[Hello Brooklyn]

Kyrie submarined the season and likely the rest of his career because he couldn't offer a simple apology.

He probably never plays another NBA game. He won't apologize and no other team will want to endorse his views.

Simmons doesn't even look close to ready.

Harris/Curry are clearly not in form.

Nash was horrific and fired.

Udoka will probably pass on this situation.

I can't fathom asking Durant to carry this team anymore

Just send KD home at this point and tank.

Houston will probably tank too so there is a solid chance we get a top 5 pick this year.

Then fire Marks in the off season.

If we keep dithering with these idiotic plans I may just stop following for a while. Mentally its not worth it.

All true except Durant was /is the problem as well with …
1- lack of leadership
2- blindly supporting anything Kyrie say’s or does
3- demanding a trade
4-high ego ( committed shipload of dumb turnovers ) then his last post game comments that is all right to commit turnovers by him

So no home for Durant ( send him for best return even if is Toronto,Sacramento , even Ohio )

Yes Durant is a huge part of the problem.

He won't be a leader and he keeps defending Kyrie.

He should have told Kyrie to stop this **** before it blew up.

With that said, I still have respect for him.

Because he still shows up every game and plays his ass of.

Something Simmons/Kyrie/Harden failed to do.

So how much more blame can I put on the one guy whos willing to play basketball for us?

[ArksNetsSince99]

He sat out the majority of last season to "give a voice for the voiceless". I wouldn't be shocked if this suspension goes well beyond 5 games because he wants to stick to his guns.

This is the end of his career.

On NBA level I believe it is

But China will take him with open arms and possibly he makes more than in NBA financially, but it’s not most important for him , he wants statue , if Marbury got one , Kyries gonna be bigger taller , and he gonna be MVP there without runner ups

[ArksNetsSince99]

He sat out the majority of last season to "give a voice for the voiceless". I wouldn't be shocked if this suspension goes well beyond 5 games because he wants to stick to his guns.

This is the end of his career.

On NBA level I believe it is

But China will take him with open arms and possibly he makes more than in NBA financially, but it’s not most important for him , he wants statue , if Marbury got one , Kyries gonna be bigger taller , and he gonna be MVP there without runner ups

Don’t take me wrong , it’s not my support for Kyrie , I just thing that’s this gonna be the next destination for him , to feed his Ego and prove NBA wrong in his mind

[MrDollarBills]

This is the end of his career.

On NBA level I believe it is

But China will take him with open arms and possibly he makes more than in NBA financially, but it’s not most important for him , he wants statue , if Marbury got one , Kyries gonna be bigger taller , and he gonna be MVP there without runner ups

Don’t take me wrong , it’s not my support for Kyrie , I just thing that’s this gonna be the next destination for him , to feed his Ego and prove NBA wrong in his mind

I understood you loud and clear

[ArksNetsSince99]

Do you guys still want Ime Udoka under this circumstances ?

I’m not so sure anymore , I wanted him badly because that was one good coach who I think could control Kyrie to some degree , and would’ve definitely have respect from our players sweeping them all last year

But is it best candidate as we stand right now , with his own baggage of problems ?

What you all think ?

[TheNetsFan]

Do you guys still want Ime Udoka under this circumstances ?

I’m not so sure anymore , I wanted him badly because that was one good coach who I think could control Kyrie to some degree , and would’ve definitely have respect from our players sweeping them all last year

But is it best candidate as we stand right now , with his own baggage of problems ?

What you all think ?

Quin Snyder has been my top pick, but he left Utah partly to avoid a rebuild. Many also think he may take over for Pop in San Antonio.

[MrDollarBills]

Read on Twitter

?t=2xAMTObTqQxpeg8CWB-HUg&s=19

[CalamityX12]

Good bye Kyrie.... if you can't see it in yourself, you're lost. Surround yourself with enablers will only blind you, disregard those around trying to help you will doom you.

Thanks for playing.

Quit on us in the bubble
Bounce on us in the pandemic season
Quit after gm 1 vs Boston then announced defeat to them in post gm 2 presser
Now you can't even fake an apology to the audience.

Bye.

[Shark]

Do you guys still want Ime Udoka under this circumstances ?

I’m not so sure anymore , I wanted him badly because that was one good coach who I think could control Kyrie to some degree , and would’ve definitely have respect from our players sweeping them all last year

But is it best candidate as we stand right now , with his own baggage of problems ?

What you all think ?

Depending on how things go down and if we decide to blow things up I'd be up for giving a coach a chance to rebuild the team. I'm thinking someone like Sam Cassell, who's been an assistant for a long time. Much like Udoka, Willie Green, and Billups, all who've been able to get the most out of their current teams.

If we are still going to try and win a championship with the current group I'm honestly not sure who we'd hire. I see Quinn get mentioned a lot, but I don't see him coming here. And I honestly don't see anyone wanting to touch this team with a 10 foot pole at the moment. Maybe MDA? But we'll see.

[76thBearCub]

Just as shameless as Simmons to get the game check without the game

[Papi_swav]

And people said to just max him lol.

Definitely dodged a bullet there