Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving SUSPENDED without pay for at least five games after failing to deny anti-Semitism

The Brooklyn Nets have suspended star guard Kyrie Irving.

Irving, 30, will be suspended for at least five games without pay, according to the Nets.

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In their press release they have said: “Over the past few days we have repeatedly attempted to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him releasing a film that contained deeply disturbing anti-Semitic hatred.

“We believed that taking the path of education in this challenging situation was the right way to go and that we had made progress with our shared commitment to eradicating hate and intolerance.

“We were dismayed today at a media session that Kyrie refused to state unequivocally that he has no anti-Semitic beliefs or to acknowledge certain hateful material in the film. This wasn’t the first time he’s had the opportunity – but failed – to clarify.

“Such a failure to reject antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply troubling, violates our organization’s values ​​and constitutes behavior that is detrimental to the team.”

The release assumes Irving will remain suspended “until he satisfies a series of objective remedies that address the deleterious effects of his behavior and the suspension period is no less than five games.”

Irving was at the center of an ongoing row after he shared a link to a movie called Hebrews and Negroes: Wake Up Black America on Oct. 27.

This has proved controversial, as the book the film is based on is reportedly “crammed full of anti-Semitic tropes,” according to Rolling Stone.

Nets Gov. Joe Tsai then condemned Irving’s tweet, saying: “I’m disappointed that Kyrie seems to be supporting a film based on a book full of anti-Semitic disinformation.”

“I want to sit down and make sure he understands that this is hurtful to all of us and as a man of faith it is wrong to encourage hatred based on race, ethnicity or religion.”

On Monday, during the Nets’ 116-109 win over the Indiana Pacers, fans were seen sitting on the sidelines wearing yarmulkes and T-shirts that read “Fight Anti-Semitism,” according to TMZ.

This suspension comes just one day after the release of Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). expression He said both he and the team planned to donate $500,000 “to support education in our community.”

Irving said in the statement, “I reject all forms of hate and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day.”

He continued: “I recognize the negative impact my post has on the Jewish community and I accept responsibility. I do not believe that everything said in the documentary is true or reflects my morals and principles.

“I am a learner from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So my family and I don’t want to harm any group, race or religion of people, and just want to be a beacon of truth and light.”

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