Kyrie Irving, a Nets player, issued an apology on Sunday for the adverse effects his social media post from October 27 had on the Jewish community.
After receiving an apology, the Nets decided to end his eight-game suspension, and the star point guard will now suit up for Sunday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
“I just want to offer my deep apologies to all those impacted over these last few weeks, specifically my Jewish relatives, my Black relatives, you know, all races and cultures,” an emotional Irving said.
“I feel like we all felt the impact, and I don’t stand for anything close to hate speech, antisemitism, or anything that is anti-going against the human race. I feel like we all should have an opportunity to speak for ourselves when things are assumed about us,” Irving added.
Irving also expressed regret for delaying his initial apology until after the Nets had suspended him due to his bad behavior.
There was a way I should have handled all of this.
Therefore, he said it was vital to stand in this position and accept responsibility for my actions.
And as I go back and reflect, I’d like to express my sincere regrets to anyone who felt intimidated or harmed as a result of what I tweeted.
That was not at all my intention. I had no malicious intent toward anyone or any group.
Sean Marks, the general manager of the Nets, Tamika Tremaglio, the head of the National Basketball Players Association, and Shetellia Riley Irving, Irving’s agent and stepmother, were all present in his press conference.
The Nets released a statement saying that Kyrie “took ownership of his path and held conversations with numerous Jewish community members.
“We appreciate the thoughtful way he is approaching the task.”
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