Kyrie Irving reportedly enjoyed a productive meeting with NBA commissioner Adam Silver on Tuesday as the Brooklyn Nets star seeks a return to action following his suspension.
Irving was suspended by the Nets for five games without pay after he initially failed to apologise at a press conference for sharing a link to an antisemitic film on social media.
Following the controversial post, the NBA released a statement labelling hate speech ‘unacceptable’ and the direct opposite to the league’s ‘values of equality, inclusion and respect’. Their statement read: “We believe we all have a role to play in ensuring such words or ideas, including antisemitic ones, are challenged and refuted and we will continue working with all members of the NBA community to ensure that everyone understands the impact of their words and actions.”
Hours after he was given the suspension, Irving apologised in a public Instagram post and the Nets have since outlined six stages the 30-year-old must complete in order to return to the court. Irving hasn’t played since a November 1 clash with the Chicago Bulls and the Nets have won two of their three games since.
On Tuesday, NBA insider and The Athletic reporter Shams Charania reported that Silver met with Irving and the duo had a ‘productive and understanding visit’, which can pave the way for the Nets star to return. The suspended point guard still has to work through his steps on a potential path forward back to the Nets.
Irving must reportedly do six steps to even be available for a return, as the Nets have told him to apologise, make a $500,000 donation to anti-hate causes and also complete sensitivity training and antisemitic training. The franchise have also requested him to meet with ADL, Jewish community leaders in Brooklyn, and finally with owner Joe Tsai to truly showcase the work he has put in.
Irving has courted controversy in the past, notably with his stance over the Covid vaccine, which led to long stretches of ineligibility to play or even practice with the Nets due to the New York City Covid vaccine mandate. The former Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers star was also reportedly an advocate of flat earth theory, although he later apologised.
Even just last month, Irving shared a video by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones from 2002 to his Instagram story. The video - titled ‘Never Forget - Alex Jones Tried To Warn Us’ - refers to a 'New World Order' that would 'release plagues'.
Irving was averaging 26.9 points per game to go with 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists before his suspension and the the Nets currently sit at 4-7. Brooklyn next play when they host the New York Knicks at the Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
