NBA star Kyrie Irving was — finally — suspended by the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday after he promoted an antisemitic film on his Instagram and Twitter accounts, proceeded to blast the media during a press conference, and didn’t apologize (until after the suspension). Irving was suspended for a minimum of five games without pay.
On Saturday night, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reports that the Nets “have delivered Kyrie Irving six items that he must complete” in order to be allowed to return to the team.
According to Charania, Irving must apologize for sharing the link to the antisemitic film and condemn the content presented in the film, donate $500,000 to anti-hate causes, take sensitivity training, take antisemitic training, meet with Anti-Defamation League and Jewish leaders, and “meet with owner Joe Tsai and lead franchise officials and demonstrate the lessons learned and that the gravity of the harm caused in the situation is understood, and provide assurances that this type of behavior will not be repeated.”
Issue an apology for posting a link to the movie on Oct. 27, condemn the harmful and false content and make clear that he does not have anti-Jewish beliefs.
Complete the anti-hate causes that Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League agreed upon in their joint release on Nov. 2 — including a $500,000 donation toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in communities.
Complete sensitivity training created by the Nets.
Complete antisemitic/anti-hate training designed by the Nets.
Meet with representatives from the Anti-Defamation League, as well as Jewish community leaders in Brooklyn.
After completing 1 to 5, meet with owner Joe Tsai and lead franchise officials and demonstrate the lessons learned and that the gravity of the harm caused in the situation is understood, and provide assurances that this type of behavior will not be repeated.
In addition to being suspended at least five games without pay by the Nets, Irving’s relationship with Nike was suspended on Friday night.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.