Kyrie Irving's name has been prominent in the NBA news cycle at the start of the season — none of which has been related to basketball.
The Nets All-Star was recently suspended for at least five games due to an antisemitic post on social media, a stance that Irving doubled down on when asked about it in the media several times.
In Brooklyn's official statement, it said Irving is "currently unfit to be associated" with the team and the franchise reportedly issued a checklist of items for Irving to complete before he is able to return to the court.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, these are Irving's requirements to end his suspension.
- Issue an apology, condemn the film and declare that he has no antisemitic beliefs
- Make a $500,000 donation toward anti-hate causes and organizations
- Complete sensitivity training
- Complete antisemitic training
- Meet with Anti-Defamation League representatives and Jewish leaders in the Brooklyn community
- Meet with team owner Joe Tsai and other members of the organization to demonstrate an understanding of the situation
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Irving has already crossed off the first item on the list, taking to Instagram to issue an apology for his actions.
However, not everyone has agreed with how the Nets handled Irving's situation. Celtics star Jaylen Brown — who is a vice president of the NBA Players' Association — spoke out, saying he hopes the NBPA takes action on the matter.
"I don’t believe Kyrie Irving is antisemitic. I don’t think people in our governing bodies think he’s antisemitic. He made a mistake," Brown told The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn.
Brown isn't the only player who has stepped up in Irving's defense, as Irving's former teammate, LeBron James, also took to Twitter to express his displeasure on Thursday.
LeBron James speaks up on Kyrie Irving's suspension
James had been silent on Irving's situation until the league's biggest star took to Twitter on Thursday. James condoned the sharing of hurtful information but said he believes Irving should be able to continue playing basketball.
You can find James' full statement below.
the floor I think is excessive IMO. He’s not the person that’s being portrayed of him. Anyways back to my rehab session.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 10, 2022
"What he's asked to do to get back on the floor I think is excessive IMO," James said in regards to Irving's list of requirements. It will be interesting to see how the NBPA responds to this unique situation.
