Nets GM says Kyrie Irving’s apology just the first step to return from suspension
apology was just the first step for suspended Brooklyn Nets star guard Kyrie Irving.
Following a team suspension for Irving of no less than five games, Nets general manager Sean Marks said Friday morning that Irving needs to meet with anti-hate groups and Jewish leaders before he returns to the team.
“After anything like this you’d always hope there is a change – a change in feelings, a change in attituded, and per his apology last night, that’s a step in the right direction,” Marks said. “But again, as we’ve stated, actions speak louder than words. He’s had some time and he’ll have more time to reflect on this.”
Marks said he has not talked to Irving since the seven-time All-Star apologized late Thursday just hours after the team suspended him for his refusal to “refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film” titled “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake up Black America,” a so-called documentary that is filled with antisemitism and fabrications.
SUSPENDED: Nets suspend Irving for at least five games without pay
APOLOGY: Irving apologizes to Jewish community: ‘I am deeply sorry’
“If he wants to participate, we’ll see where it goes,” Marks said.
Marks said the team did not consider releasing Irving.
“The organization has made multiple attempts to get with Kyrie and representation and have them clarify his feeling and put out a sense or remorse for this and obviously that didn’t happen,” Marks said. “He refused to disavow that until his tweet (Thursday) night. This was the best course of action as it stands right now – to suspend him. They’re not the values of our organization.”