MY ACCOUNT
Kyrie Irving’s apology is a “step in the right direction” but he must do more to prove his contrition, according to Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks.
The NBA star was suspended indefinitely by the Nets in light of his initial unapologetic response to widespread backlash for allegedly endorsing an antisemitic film.
Irving belatedly issued an apology after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had expressed his disappointment at the lack of one, and the Nets had responded later on Thursday with a press statement confirming the player would be suspended for a minimum of five games with no pay, adding he is “currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets”.
Around four hours after that announcement, the seven-time All-Star posted an apology on Instagram: “To all Jewish families and communities that are hurt and affected from my post.”
Speaking to reporters about the situation on Friday, Marks said: “I think after anything like this, you would always hope that there’s a change in feelings, a change in attitude. And you know, I think per his apology last night, that’s a step in the right direction.
“But again, as we’ve sort of stated, actions speak louder than words and so he’s had some time and there’ll be some more time to reflect on this.
“The apology is a step in the right direction [but] that’s certainly not enough.”
In terms of further steps expected of Irving, Marks elaborated: “There is going to be some remedial steps and measures that have been put in place for him to obviously seek some counselling, designated by the team from dealing with some anti-hate and some Jewish leaders within our community.
“He’s gonna have to sit down with them, he’s gonna have to sit down with the organisation after this and and we’ll evaluate and see if this is the right opportunity to bring him back.”
When asked if the Nets had considered waiving or releasing Irving, Marks said: “No, not at this particular time.”
