CNN
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The Brooklyn Nets announced the suspension Thursday Kyrie IrvingDays after he tweeted a link to a documentary that was criticized as anti-Semitic, he later defended his decision to do so.
In A statement On Twitter, the group said it had “repeatedly tried to help Irving understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began when he promoted a film with deeply disturbing anti-Semitic hatred.”
Nets owner Joe Tsai and the NBA last week reprimanded Irving for tweeting a link to the 2018 movie “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” based on Ronald Dalton’s book of the same name. Blasted as anti-Semitism by civil rights groups.
The Nets said they were “shocked” during a media session Thursday when Irving refused to unequivocally say he does not have anti-Semitic beliefs or acknowledge specific hateful content in the film.
“This is not the first time he has – but failed to clarify -,” the group said.
“Given a clear opportunity, denying anti-Semitism is deeply troubling, contrary to our organization’s values, and constitutes conduct harmful to the team. Accordingly, we believe he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets. Kyrie will satisfy objective restorative measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct.” We have decided to grant suspension without pay until
During a press conference earlier Thursday, Irving was asked if he was apologizing after tweeting a link to the movie, saying he meant no offense.
“I meant no harm,” Irving replied. “I wasn’t the one who made the documentary.”
“For posting something on my Instagram or Twitter that contained some unfortunate falsehood, I take full responsibility, I repeat,” he said.
“I take responsibility for posting it,” Irving continued. “Some of it is suspiciously untrue.
“When I was sitting on that stage you all listened to me like it was the first time. I don’t believe everything everyone posts. This is a documentary. So, I accept my responsibility.
Asked if he held anti-Semitic beliefs, Irving replied: “I respect people from all walks of life. I embrace all sides. That’s where I sit.”
When pressed to answer yes or no to the question, he replied: “I can’t be anti-Semitic if I know where I come from.”
Responding to that response on Twitter, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League — “a nonprofit organization that fights against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate that undermine justice and fair treatment for every person” — said Irving “has a lot of work to do.” .”
“The answer to the question of whether you have any antisemitic beliefs is always an unequivocal ‘no’. We took @KyrieIrving at his word when he said he took responsibility, but today he didn’t follow through on that promise,” Jonathan Greenblatt wrote Thursday. “Kyrie has a lot of work to do.”
That media appearance came after Irving and the Nets announced on Wednesday that both would donate $500,000 to anti-hate organizations after the point guard tweeted the documentary.
In an earlier joint statement between Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League, the 30-year-old said he was “responsible” for the “negative impact” his post had on the Jewish community.
“I stand against all forms of hate and oppression and stand strong with marginalized and vulnerable communities every day,” Irving said.
“I am aware of the negative impact of my position on the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe that everything stated in the documentary was true or reflected my morals and principles.
“I am a human being, I learn from all walks of life and I want to do this with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family, I do no harm to any group, race or religion and only want to be a beacon of truth and light.
Earlier this week, NBA analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said he thought the league “dropped the ball” on Irving and believed the player should have been suspended.
On Tuesday, when asked why Irving wasn’t disciplined for his actions, Nets general manager Sean Marks told reporters: “I think we’re having these discussions behind the scenes.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said “Irving was disappointed that the Guardian did not apologize or condemn the “harmful content in the movie it chose to promote.” Friday will meet with Irving next week, the commissioner said in a statement Thursday.
“Gary Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to an image containing deeply offensive antisemitic material,” Silver said.
“We appreciate his agreeing to join the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League in fighting anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination in the movie he chose to promote.
Irving was not available to the media on the Monday or Tuesday following Nets games on those days.
The joint statement said the donations were made to “eliminate hatred and intolerance in our communities”.
Greenblatt, with the Anti-Defamation League, said: “At a time when anti-Semitism has reached historic levels, we know that the best way to combat age-old hate is to confront it head-on and change hearts and minds.”
Kanye WestA regular critic of anti-Semitic comments on social media and in interviews, tweeted a picture of the cop on Thursday to show his support for Irving.
“Friend of animals everywhere. Devoted analyst. Total alcohol scholar. Infuriatingly humble food trailblazer.”