Kyrie Irving Apologizes After Nets Suspend Him Over Anti-Semitic Posts

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has apologized after he was suspended by his club amid allegations of anti-Semitism.

Nets have banned Irving for five games in the ongoing NBA season after he defended his decision to post a link to a documentary that has been criticized as anti-Semitic.

Before taking the action, the Nets made multiple attempts to help Irving understand the harm and danger of his words and actions.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Irving said he was "deeply sorry" for the "hurt and pain" he had triggered. "I am learning from this unfortunate event," the Nets star added.

"To all Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize. I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary," added Irving in his statement.

Last week, Irving tweeted a link to a 2018 film that was broadly condemned as being grossly anti-Semitic. Instead of issuing an apology soon after he received a backlash, the American basketball player defended his right to do so.

Following the Nets' loss to Indiana Pacers last Saturday, the Brooklyn side did not let Irving speak with reporters, hoping to avoid further chaos. However, that did not change the point guard's mind as he quickly grew defensive. He asked reporters why they weren't asking questions about the history of Black people in America, saying 300 million of his ancestors were buried in the country.

After he refused to issue an apology, the Nets said Irving is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets".

"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," the Nets said in a statement.

"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," the statement read.