NBA: Brooklyn Nets Suspend Kyrie Irving Without Pay

Facts

• The Brooklyn Nets have suspended Kyrie Irving for a minimum of five games without pay. The NBA team made the announcement Thursday after the star point guard failed to disavow antisemitism.
• It comes a week after the scandal first erupted on Oct. 27 when Irving tweeted a link to the movie 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America' — a film containing numerous antisemitic tropes.
• On Wednesday, Irving and the Nets announced they would each donate $500K to the Anti-Defamation League in a joint statement with the NBA. Irving also appeared to take responsibility for his actions, stating: "I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles."
• However, in a media session on Thursday, when asked if he had antisemitic beliefs, he twice responded: "I cannot be antisemitic if I know where I come from."
• The response triggered the suspension from the Nets organization, who stated: "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." They added: "Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."
• Following the suspension, Irving finally apologized on Instagram. "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," he said. "I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary." [sic]

Sources: CBS, NBA, and Associated Press.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by CBS. Irving is arguably one of the greatest talents the NBA has ever seen. However, this latest incident, among a barrage of other off-court ravings — from anti-vax sentiments to re-posting Alex Jones — is unacceptable. Racism and bigotry shouldn't be tolerated in any business of repute in America — including the NBA.
• Narrative B, as provided by Nets Daily. While Irving's post was unquestionably insensitive, it wasn't meant to be a promotion of racism or hate speech. Rather than denouncing him as a racist, as the media has been quick to do, this incident would better serve as an opportunity for him and the Nets organization to learn, grow, and move on.