BROOKLYN (Nov. 3, 2022)
"Over the last several
days, we have made repeated attempts to work with
Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and
danger of his words and actions, which began with him
publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing
antisemitic hate. We believed that taking the path of
education in this challenging situation would be the right
one and thought that we had made progress with our
joint commitment to eradicating hate and intolerance.
We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in
a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say
he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific
hateful material in the film. This was not the first time
he had the opportunity - but failed - to clarify.
Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear
opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the
values of our organization, and constitutes conduct
detrimental to the team. Accordingly, we are of the view
that he is currently unfit to be associated with the
Brooklyn Nets. We have decided that Kyrie will serve a
suspension without pay until he satisfies a series of
objective remedial measures that address the harmful
impact of his conduct and the suspension period served
is no less than five games."