Nets general manager Sean Marks said the franchise never considered releasing Kyrie Irving during the events of the last week that stemmed from the guard’s recent promotion of an antisemitic book and film on social media.
Speaking to reporters Friday morning, hours after Irving apologized for his actions for the first time, Marks called the apology “a step” in making amends, according to ESPN’s Nick Friedell. He explained that the organization wants Irving to take additional steps, which includes meeting with Jewish leaders, before playing again for Brooklyn.
The Nets announced Thursday that Irving, 30, has been suspended for at least the next five games until he has satisfied “a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct.” The 11-year veteran has faced widespread backlash over the past week after sharing a link to the documentary, Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America in a since-deleted tweet last Friday.
