Brooklyn Nets suspend Kyrie Irving for 'failure to disavow antisemitism'

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has been suspended without pay for at least five games after promoting a film that contains "deeply disturbing antisemitic hate," the team announced Thursday.

"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," the Nets said in a statement. "This was not the first time he had the opportunity -- but failed -- to clarify."

The decision comes a week after Irving tweeted a link to the 2018 movie "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America" on Amazon Prime Video. The synopsis states that the film, based on a 2015 book of the same name, "uncovers the true identity of the Children of Israel." Several Jewish rights organizations, including the American Jewish Congress and the Anti-Defamation League, have denounced the film as antisemitic.

The Nets and Irving announced on Wednesday that each of them will donate $500,000 to the Anti-Defamation League.

Irving has maintained that he never meant to hurt anyone.

"I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day," he said in a statement announcing his donation. "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. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.