Kyrie Irving called out by NBA analyst after anti-Semitism row: "Let's not make him a victim, he's lucky to have a job"
Some NBA superstars such as LeBron James and Jaylen Brown found the penalty handed to Kyrie Irving for his anti-Semitic post to be excessive. They’ve made their thoughts known that the Brooklyn Nets went overboard with their “objective remedial measures” for Irving to play again.
However, basketball analyst Doug Gottlieb, on his podcast, vehemently opposed the view that Irving was being punished too hard for his mistake. Here’s what he had to say about the latest surrounding the superstar point guard:
(Starts at the 2:30 mark)
“No one is perceiving Kyrie Irving any differently than how Kyrie is presenting himself. Let's not make Kyrie Irving a victim. Nobody’s changing the perception. The only thing we know is what we see.
“He tweeted out, he was openly defiant, he went after Nick Friedell for questioning his motives. And then he said I won’t stand down. And he only stood down when he was forced to apologize and suspended.
“He works in Brooklyn, a heavily Jewish community. It's one thing to offend a group of people, but to offend a group of people in the community in which you work. … He's lucky to have a job!”
Gottlieb's comments came after he quoted LeBron James’ statement about Irving. The LA Lakers superstar said the apology should have been enough for Irving to return to play. James also added that Irving is portrayed in a way that’s not who he genuinely is.
Jaylen Brown, who commented on the issue a few days ago, didn’t believe Irving was anti-Semitic. The Boston Celtics guard also sees the NBPA appealing the suspension without pay that the Brooklyn Nets handed down as punishment. Like James, he found the “terms for his return” too much.
For Kyrie Irving to be reinstated, the Nets require him to fulfill the following remedial measures:
- Apologize and condemn the film he promoted
- Make a $500,000 donation to anti-hate cause
- Complete sensitivity training
- Complete anti-Semitism training
- Meet with ADL and Jewish leaders
- Meet with team owner Joe Tsai to demonstrate an understanding of the situation
Here is Doug Gottlieb’s message to those who find the Brooklyn Nets’ terms for Irving excessive:
“You’re not asking him to do too much. You’re asking him to do too little.”
GM Sean Marks, after Irving posted a public apology, told the media that the apology was a big step but not the end-all of the whole situation.
Doug Gottlieb refused to accept Kyrie Irving’s apology
After one PR nightmare after another, the Brooklyn Nets finally decided to suspend Kyrie Irving without pay. Irving refused to unequivocally deny he had any anti-Semitic beliefs when presented with another chance to do so.
Hours after the Nets released a press statement about the suspension, “Uncle Drew” offered a public apology. That apology wasn’t likely accepted by those who were hurt by his actions, including Doug Gottlieb:
“Kyrie has been a pain in the a** everywhere he’s been, crazy talented and bright enough, but I think one of those guys who thinks he knows everything or who can outsmart everybody in the room. … He only apologized after the suspension was handed out.
“To me, apology not accepted.”
The Nets have already played four games without Irving since his suspension was handed down, winning three of those.