Hours after receiving a suspension from the Nets for repeatedly refusing to apologize for his recent promotion of an antisemitic book and film on social media, Kyrie Irving posted an apology on his Instagram late Thursday night.
“While doing research on YHWH, I posted a Documentary that contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibly for my actions,” Irving wrote. “I am grateful to have a big platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward by having an open dialogue to learn more and grow from this.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 had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate.”
The Nets announced earlier in the day Irving, 30, has been suspended without pay for “no less than five games” until he satisfied “a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct.” Irving has faced intense backlash over the past week after sharing a since-deleted tweet last Friday including a link to the documentary, Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America.
It’s unknown at this time if Irving’s apology will impact the suspension. The 11-year veteran is also currently expected to meet with NBA commissioner Adam Silver next week.
In the statement announcing the suspension, the Nets cited Irving’s media session Thursday afternoon as one of the catalysts for the decision. During the session, Irving again declined to apologize for promoting the antisemitic film, telling reporters, in part, “I didn’t mean to cause any harm, I’m not the one that made the documentary.”
As of now, Irving is still slated to miss Brooklyn’s next five games, setting him up for a potential return to the court on Nov. 13 in a nationally-televised game against the Lakers in Los Angeles.
