Kyrie Irving finally apologizes for sharing controversial video

Hours after he was suspended by the Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving has finally apologized for sharing a controversial movie, which contained antisemitic messages, on social media

Irving’s apology, which was shared by Shams Charania of The Athletic said in part:

“While doing research on YHWH, I posted a Documentary that contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibility for my actions. I am grateful to have a big platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward by having an open dialogue to learn more and grow from this.

“To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize. I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary.”

Kyrie Irving statement: “To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize.” pic.twitter.com/3dYRHXnIEm

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 4, 2022

This apology came not only after his suspension and critical words from NBA commissioner Adam Silver, but also having a $500,000 donation rejected by  the Anti-Defamation League.

Because of the timing, several people had a hard time accepting Irving’s apology, or a least believing in its sincerity.

An overdue apology that doesn't feel quite as sincere in a written statement after multiple opportunities dodged in front of a microphone https://t.co/0GlILund5n

— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) November 4, 2022

So he apologizes only when he faces repercussions for actions. Forgive me for not buying any remorse. https://t.co/7TRuUVtO5f

— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) November 4, 2022

he finally googled “how to apologize,” good for him. https://t.co/gGWGIDjWr8

— Dan Favale (@danfavale) November 4, 2022

Came pretty quick after the suspension. Curious to see what the benchmarks are he has to hit for the team. https://t.co/b2qn2CIq7S

— Benjamin Bornstein (@THE_BOOMSTEIN) November 4, 2022

About 1 week, his employer suspending him without pay for at least 5 games and the Anti-Defamation League chief ultimately rejecting the $500K donation from Kyrie Irving over his refusal to apologize for promoting anti-semitic content, Kyrie Irving caves. https://t.co/7M6yuVEJ1M

— Vincent Lee (@Rover829) November 4, 2022

Not accepted. He got punished. Only reason he apologizes now. Had multiple chances to before. https://t.co/bSTN57iLUq

— Jason Huber (@_JasonHuber) November 4, 2022

This would have had a lot more impact if Kyrie had said it before his suspension. It's a good first step, but it's only a step. I truly hope he has learned from this, but that starts with accountability. I really wish more players and others from around the NBA had spoken up. https://t.co/FlFFR35gIt

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) November 4, 2022

While the Nets announced that Irving’s suspension would be for no less than five games, they were also somewhat vague in saying that Irving “will be suspended without pay until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct.”

Time will tell how much of that was accomplished with his first apologetic statement.

[Shams Charania on Twitter]