CNN
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The Brooklyn Nets announced the suspension of Kyrie Irving on Thursday. It comes just days after Kyrie Irving defended the decision by tweeting a link to a documentary criticized as anti-Semitic.
of statement On Twitter, the team said Irving “repeatedly tried to help him see the harm and danger of his words and actions.
Irving last week criticized Nets owner Joe Tsai for tweeting a link to “From Hebrews to Blacks: Wake Up Black America,” the 2018 film based on Ronald Dalton’s book of the same name. criticized by the NBA. He was accused by civil rights groups of being anti-Semitic.
At Thursday’s media session, the Nets were “dismayed” that Irving “clearly refused to say he had anti-Semitic beliefs or acknowledge certain hateful material in the film.” ” he said.
“It wasn’t the first time he had the opportunity to clarify, but it failed,” the team said.
“Failure to disavow anti-Semitism when given the clear opportunity to do so is highly disturbing, contrary to our organizational values and unacceptable to the team. constitutes harmful conduct.Therefore, we believe that he is currently unfit to belong to the Brooklyn Nets.We believe that Kyrie has taken a series of objective remedies that address the harmful effects of his conduct. It has been decided that the player will be suspended without pay until the measures are satisfied, and the suspension period will be 5 games or more.
When meeting with media on Thursday, Irving was asked if he was apologizing when he said he didn’t mean to offend him after tweeting a link to the film.
“I didn’t mean to do you any harm,” Irving replied. “I wasn’t the one who made the documentary.”
“Again, I take full responsibility for posting anything on my Instagram or Twitter that may contain unfortunate falsehoods,” he said.
“I take responsibility for posting it,” Irving continued.
“Like I said at the beginning, you guys asked me when I was sitting on that stage. I take responsibility.”
When asked if he held anti-Semitic beliefs, Irving replied: I accept all walks of life. That’s where I sit. ”
When pressed to answer that question with a yes or no, he replied:
In response to its response on Twitter, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League said it was “a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred that undermine justice and fair treatment for all individuals.” and Irving said, “We have a lot of work to do.” ”
“The answer to the question ‘Do you hold anti-Semitic beliefs? I believed him, but today he failed to deliver on that promise.” Jonathan Greenblatt I have written on thursday. “Kylie has a lot of work to do.”
That media appearance came after Irving and the Nets announced Wednesday that they would donate $500,000 to anti-hate groups after the point guard tweeted the documentary.
In an earlier joint statement between Irving, Netz and the Anti-Defamation League, the 30-year-old held “responsibility” for the “negative impact” his posts had on the Jewish community. Stated.
“I stand against all forms of hatred and oppression and stand firm against communities that are marginalized and affected daily,” Irving said.
“I am aware of the negative impact my posts have on the Jewish community and I take responsibility for them. I do not think so.
“I am a learner from all walks of life, and I am willing to learn with an open mind and an open ear. I want to become a beacon of light.
Earlier this week, NBA analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said he believed the league “dropped the ball” on Irving and believed the player should have been suspended.
When asked why Irving wasn’t disciplined for his actions on Tuesday, Nets general manager Sean Marks told reporters:
“Honestly, I don’t want to get too deep into them right now.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he was “disappointed” with Irving after he neither apologized nor condemned “harmful content contained in the films he chose to promote.” will meet with the commissioner, the commissioner said in a statement on Thursday.
“Kyrie Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to a movie with extremely disturbing anti-Semitic content.
“While we appreciate the fact that he has agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, he has issued an unconditional apology. I am disappointed that he did not and more specifically condemned the vile and harmful content contained in the films he chose to promote.
Irving did not appear to the media after the Nets game on Monday or Tuesday.
A joint statement said the donation was made to “eradicate hatred and intolerance in our communities.”
“This is an effort to develop educational programs that are inclusive and comprehensively combat all forms of anti-Semitism and prejudice,” the statement read.
Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League said:
“With this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open dialogue and deepen understanding.
“At the same time, we remain vigilant and call for the use of anti-Semitic stereotypes and tropes as we work towards a world free of hate, no matter what, whoever, wherever. .”
Kanye West, who has been criticized for his anti-Semitic remarks on social media and in interviews, has expressed his support for Irving, tweeting a photo of a security guard on Thursday.
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has previously said that Jews dominate the business world too much.
In a Twitter post, he threatened to “give the Jews Death Con 3.” He also mentioned in an Instagram post about Arie Manuel, CEO of talent agency Endeavor, referring to “business” people when he clearly means Jewish.
Last Friday, he told paparazzi that his mental health problems had been misdiagnosed by Jewish doctors, referenced Jewish ownership of the media, and compared Planned Parenthood to the Holocaust.
