The Brooklyn Nets finally had enough of Kyrie Irving.
The Nets have suspended their controversial star for at least five games without pay, declaring him “currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.”
The hardline stance taken by the Nets came hours after Irving still refused to issue an apology for posting a link to a film filled with antisemitic tropes on his Twitter feed.
“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.
Brooklyn nets official 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.”
On Wednesday, the Nets released a joint statement with Irving and the Anti-Defamation League that he and the his club will donate $500,000 each to anti-hate causes but it appears, it was just a mirage on the star point guard’s part. The ADL are no longer accepting Irving’s donation.
Irving faced the media on Thursday morning without a sign of remorse and refused to unequivocally say he has “No” antisemitic beliefs.
The suspension will cost Irving $251,747 per game, according to ESPN’s salary cap guru and former Nets assistant general manager Bobby Marks.
The Nets are still reeling from the firing of Steve Nash and without Irving, they will be hard-pressed to improve on their dismal 2-6 start.
Irving’s suspension starts Friday night against the Washington Wizards.
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