Joe Tsai believes Kyrie Irving “Has to show people that he’s sorry” - “He only apologized after he was suspended”
Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving recently met Nets owner Joe Tsai as part of his assignment to ensure his return to action. While Irving apologized for his actions, Tsai commented upon the proceedings and the future of Irving with the team.
Kyrie Irving found himself in a rough patch after the fallout from his controversial tweet caught up to him. With the NBA turning their back on Irving, the Nets guard had to make amends.
Irving initially apologized for his actions, albeit this came after some fairly agitated exchanges with the media. Given that Irving faced severe backlash, which included a suspension from the team and Nike severing ties with him, the superstar had no option but to set things straight.
To facilitate a return to the Brooklyn Nets, the organization made a list of six tasks that the star would have to follow through on. With tasks reflecting the gravity of the situation, Irving has done a solid job of following through thus far.
One of the tasks mentioned happened to be a meeting with Nets owner Joe Tsai. Considering that Irving had already met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, meeting the franchise owner seemed to be a no-brainer.
After the meeting, Tsai revealed the nature of the proceedings between himself and his superstar guard. He said:
"He still has work to do. He has to show people that he's sorry. What’s important — and what people miss — is he only apologized after he was suspended.”
Tsai added that he and his wife met with Irving and his family as well. He'd said:
"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.
“The Nets and Kyrie, together with the NBA and NBPA, are working constructively toward a process of forgiveness, healing and education."
Kyrie Irving 'has to show people that he’s sorry' before Nets return: Joe Tsai #nets #nba nypost.com/2022/11/12/kyr… via @nypostsports
Tsai's stance on the matter appears to be fairly rigid, and rightfully so. Considering that the meeting hasn't led to any news regarding Irving's imminent return, Tsai has taken a strong stance on the matter.
Establishing that Irving will remain out until he shows remorse for his actions, Joe Tsai and the Nets haven't revealed an official timetable for his return.
Whether this could be detrimental for the Nets at this point in time is a matter of some speculation as the team rolls off their fourth win in five games without Irving.
Kevin Durant says Kyrie Irving has kept his spirits "high" during this time
Kyrie Irving currently finds himself working towards a return to the Brooklyn Nets in light of all the events that have taken place. In the process of doing so, Kevin Durant mentioned that Irving has taken a positive approach to the situation.
Following the Nets' 110-95 win against the LA Clippers, Durant highlighted certain aspects of his interactions with Kyrie Irving. He claimed that Irving's spirits were "high." He also added:
"Looking forward to playing the game, you know Ky, he's a gamer, he loves to play. So hopefully all this stuff is over with, we can move past it and get him back on the floor soon."
Considering that none of the players or coaching staff have a sense of when Irving is set to return, the Brooklyn Nets are finding a way to make up for his absence.
Heading into the next installment of their five-game West Coast trip, the Nets will take on the LA Lakers on November 13. With Brooklyn on a recent upswing, the team will hope to improve to .500.