Kyrie Irving Posts Apology for Sharing Link to Antisemitic Film

Nets point guard Kyrie Irving has apologized for sharing a link on social media to an antisemitic film, hours after the Nets suspended him for at least five games.

Irving posted the apology to his Instagram account.

Kyrie Irving posts on Instagram that he’s “deeply sorry” pic.twitter.com/j6XVYp3i4m

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 4, 2022

Earlier in the day, the Nets announced Irving’s suspension, with the punishment largely based on his refusal to apologize.

“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 antisemitic hate,” a team statement read. “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 antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity – but failed – to clarify. 

S”uch 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.”

It is unlikely that the Nets will rescind Irving’s five-game ban now that he has apologized, sources told Hoops Wire. More likely, the suspension is expected to last exactly five games.