Nets Owner: Kyrie Irving ‘Still Has Work To Do’ Before Return

Nets owner Joe Tsai said Kyrie Irving has more steps to complete before the team allows the star point guard to return from a five-game suspension, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

Irving missed his fifth straight game following the ban in Saturday’s road win over the Clippers. Coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters that Irving will also miss Sunday’s game vs. the Lakers — extending the suspension to six games.

“He still has work to do,” Tsai said, via Lewis.

“He has to show people that he’s sorry. What’s important — and what people miss — is he only apologized after he was suspended.”

The Nets gave Irving a list of steps he must take before being allowed to return. That pist reportedly consists of the following:

• 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.

Irving has already met separately with Tsai and NBA commissioner Adam Silver (full post). He has apologized on his Instagram account as well.

The players association has indicated it intends to appeal the conditions of Irving’s return to play, and Lakers star LeBron James has publicly stated the Irving ban should have been lifted already.