Kyrie Irving has officially apologized for posting a controversial documentary that contained anti-Semitic tropes. The apology came shortly after the Nets suspended him for five games and stated that he “is currently unfit to be associated” with Brooklyn.
Irving said he was “deeply sorry” to “all Jewish families and communities that are hurt and affected” in his post. He went on to say that he “initially reacted of emotion” because he thought he was “unjustly” being labeled as an anti-Semite for posting about the film that’s drawn a great deal of ire from plenty of figures in and out of the NBA universe.
Irving said that he wanted “to clarify and confusion on where” he stands by “apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the documentary” he stood with or against. Kai concluded the statement by saying he “had no intentions” of disrespecting “any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate.”
Sean Marks says Kyrie’s apology last night was a good first step but the organization wants him to take some more steps — including meeting with Jewish leaders — before playing for the Nets again.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) November 4, 2022
Marks said the organization never considered releasing Kyrie.
Nets GM Sean Marks said in a statement released Friday morning that Irving’s apology was a good first step, but the franchise still wants him to take more steps, like meeting with Jewish leaders, before he can play with the Nets again. Marks clarified that the Nets had no intention of releasing Irving due to the controversy. Kevin Durant said he hasn’t spoken with Irving since his suspension but has “trust in the organization to do what’s right.”
What did KD think of Kyrie’s conduct this week?
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) November 4, 2022
“I ain’t here to judge nobody … I just didn’t like anything that went on. I feel like it was all unnecessary. I feel like we could have kept playing basketball and kept quiet as an organization. I just don’t like none of it.”
