Nets

Nets’ Kyrie Irving to Remain Out vs. Lakers, Extending Suspension to Six Games

November 12, 2022

Nets point guard Kyrie Irving was suspended by the Nets for a minimum of five games, but apparently, that suspension will extend to six.

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn made that evident by telling reporters Irving will not play in Sunday’s road game against the Lakers, as relayed by Mark Medina of NBA.com. The Nets face the Clippers on Saturday, marking the fifth game of Irving’s suspension.

Vaughn added that there’s no clarity on a timetable for when Irving will return, via Medina.

“The good news is (Nets owner Joe Tsai) put out that statement yesterday, kind of shows where the collaboration, the alignment is right now … I have no update on timetable at all,” Vaugh said. “I do know (Irving is) not available tomorrow. I have been told that.”

Irving has met with both NBA commissioner Adam Silver (full post) and Tsai in recent days, after Irving was suspended by Brooklyn for sharing a link to an antisemitic film.

“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.

Following Sunday’s game against the Lakers, Irving’s next opportunity to play would be Sunday vs. the Kings. There’s a chance that the Nets may not want to bring him back for a road game, given what is sure to be an intense reaction from opposing fans.