It took a five-game suspension that will cost him nearly $1.3 million, but Kyrie Irving finally apologized for his Tweet promoting an antisemitic movie that offended members of the Jewish faith and community — and anyone who appreciates truth and not wild conspiracy theories.
Nets general manager Sean Marks told reporters Irving’s apology was “a step” toward his return to the team.
Sean Marks calls Kyrie Irving’s apology “a step.” The star will still have to meet with the #Nets and with a group of Jewish leaders in order to bring reinstated. #nba
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) November 4, 2022
Marks added they have never considered releasing Irving.
The earliest Irving can return is Nov. 13 on the road against the Lakers.
Kevin Durant also spoke with reporters and sounded over both Irving as a distraction and the Nets’ response to it.
Kevin Durant: “I’m not here to judge somebody or talk down on the life or how they feel their views. I just didn't like anything that went on. I felt like it was all unnecessary. I felt like we could have just kept playing basketball and kept quiet as an organization.” #nets
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) November 4, 2022
Durant then went on Twitter to clarify his comments.
Just wanna clarify the statements I made at shootaround, I see some people are confused..I don’t condone hate speech or anti-semetism, I’m about spreading love always. Our game Unites people and I wanna make sure that’s at the forefront
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) November 4, 2022
Durant has always been frustrated with the focus on things off the court and around the game, and he clearly saw the week of drama — from Irving’s Tweet through Steve Nash parting ways with the team — as a distraction.
Like Durant, the Nets are hopeful that this latest self-created controversy will die down and they can get back to focusing on playing basketball, which also hasn’t gone all that well for them. The Nets have started 2-6 with the worst defense in the NBA so far, and people around the league are wondering how much worse it can get.
