Joe Tsai promptly admonished Kyrie Irving after the point guard tweeted a link to a movie with anti-Semitic claims. After the Brooklyn Nets indefinitely suspended Irving without pay, the basketball superstar ultimately apologized but needed to fulfill remedial measures to be reinstated.
The last part of the terms Irving needed to fulfill was to meet Tsai and to “demonstrate understanding of the situation.” The two may have already met as the Nets’ billionaire team owner posted this message:
“Clara and I met with Kyrie and his family yesterday. We spent quality time to understand each other and it’s clear to me that Kyrie does not have any beliefs of hate towards Jewish people or any group.”
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This is a huge development for both Kyrie Irving and Brooklyn Nets fans who want to see Irving compete in the NBA again. More importantly, Tsai’s tweet should be a confirmation that Irving has fully accepted the consequences of his actions and proved his true intentions.
For Joe Tsai to discern that the seven-time All-Star doesn’t hate the Jews or any group is extremely crucial. Before his conversation with Tsai, Irving was very combative when asked by ESPN reporter Nick Friedell if he had any anti-Semitic beliefs.
Irving also danced around the simple answer to the question when asked again for the second time before the Nets ultimately suspended him. Finally, the uproar should slowly dwindle and the next process can start.
Joe Tsai added about what’s going to happen next:
“The Nets and Kyrie, together with the NBA and NBPA, are working constructively toward a process of forgiveness, healing and education.”
The “objective remedial measures” that the Nets wanted Kyrie Irving to fulfill divided the basketball world. Some felt like the penalty and the measures were simply too little, given Irving’s history and stature in the sports world.
Others like LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and Jay Williams pushed back, saying that the Brooklyn Nets were excessive on their terms. Whether it was excessive or too little, Irving may have completed everything the Nets asked him, hence the meeting with Joe and Clara Tsai.
Kyrie Irving could be back in action for the Brooklyn Nets sooner than expected
Once Kyrie Irving’s suspension was handed down, things quickly rolled off in motion. Irving publicly apologized while he and his camp worked behind the scenes to fulfill the Brooklyn Nets’ terms.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that everyone is looking “forward very soon to a resolution of all matters satisfactory to all parties.” That could pave the way for the former Rookie of the Year winner to suit up for the Nets again.
Several basketball analysts were convinced that the former Duke standout could have played his last game for the Nets against the Chicago Bulls. That scenario will likely not come to fruition as the parties involved were open and working hard to resolve the issue.
Kyrie Irving’s return could be crucial to the Nets, who seem rejuvenated under new head coach Jacque Vaughn. They went 3-1 after “Uncle Drew” was suspended and have been playing their best basketball of the season.
It remains to be seen, though, if Irving’s presence will further boost the team or cause another unwarranted distraction.
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