Players Union Soon Expects Resolution on Kyrie Irving

The NBA Players Association sent a memo to members of the union offering an update on suspended Nets guard Kyrie Irving, saying it looks “forward very soon to a resolution of all matters satisfactory to all parties,” per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Irving has met with both NBA commissioner Adam Silver (full post) and Nets owner Joe Tsai in recent days, after Irving was suspended a minimum of five games for sharing a link to an antisemitic film.

In its memo to players, the union told its members that “Kyrie’s rights, and the rights of all future players, have been protected at every turn.”

Meanwhile, both Silver and Tsai indicated they had productive meetings with Irving.

“Clara and I met with Kyrie and his family yesterday,” Tsai tweeted on Friday. “We spent quality time to understand each other and it’s clear to me that Kyrie does not have any beliefs of hate towards Jewish people or any group.

“The Nets and Kyrie, together with the NBA and NBPA, are working constructively toward a process of forgiveness, healing and education.”

Irving reportedly must complete a process that consists of the following steps before the Nets consider permitting him to return:

• Issue a verbal apology and condemn the antisemitic film he shared.
• Share that apology on social media.
• Complete sensitivity training.
• Meet with Jewish leaders in the Brooklyn community.
• Meet with Tsai.
• Make a $500,000 donation to anti-hate causes.

Silver would only say that the Nets will determine when Irving can play again “in consultation with the league,” via Sopan Deb of the New York Times.

“There’s skepticism Irving will be in position to return to play as soon as Sunday vs. Lakers, or perhaps even Tuesday vs. Kings,” Wojnarowski reported.

Clara and I met with Kyrie and his family yesterday. We spent quality time to understand each other and it’s clear to me that Kyrie does not have any beliefs of hate towards Jewish people or any group.

— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) November 11, 2022