Reports: Adam Silver and Kyrie Irving had a productive meeting concerning his future with Nets after suspension
Kyrie Irving and NBA commissioner Adam Silver have reportedly met in light of the issues that the point guard has been dealing with over the past week.
Last week, Irving and the Brooklyn Nets were everywhere in the news. This was the result of owner Joe Tsai calling Irving out for the promotion of an antisemitic film. The Nets handed the seven-time All-Star a minimum five-game suspension without pay on Thursday.
I’m disappointed that Kyrie appears to support a film based on a book full of anti-semitic disinformation. I want to sit down and make sure he understands this is hurtful to all of us, and as a man of faith, it is wrong to promote hate based on race, ethnicity or religion.
Before the Nets suspended Irving on Thursday, Silver earlier that day said he intended to meet with the former NBA champion this week. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the commissioner and Irving met on the morning of U.S. election day.
"The sides had a productive and understanding visit, paving the way for the Nets and their suspended star to work through his steps on a potential path forward," Charania tweeted.
Sources: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Kyrie Irving met this morning and the sides had a productive and understanding visit, paving the way for the Nets and their suspended star to work through his steps on a potential path forward.
Based on the reports, it seems like Irving will get to return to action eventually. Some observers have wondered if he'll be forced to either retire or get waived by the Nets. Some fans are hoping to see him back on the floor.
Kyrie Irving facing suspension on antisemitic controversy
The Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving on Thursday after his reluctance to apologize for a tweet that posted a link to a movie with antisemitic tropes. The Nets gave him a five-game suspension without pay and also gave him a list of steps he needs to complete before he'll be allowed to return to the team.
Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:
- Apologize/condemn movie
- $500K donation to anti-hate causes
- Sensitivity training
- Antisemitic training
- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding
Nike has also suspended its partnership with Irving. Nike also announced that it won't be releasing the new Kyrie 8 basketball shoes this year. The three-time All-NBA is without a shoe deal after the events that followed his social media activity.
Also read: Brooklyn Nets’ conditions for Kyrie Irving’s return to the team a deliberate ploy to eventually release him as he would be unlikely to complete all six items
What's next for Kyrie Irving?
Kyrie Irving is one of the most intriguing players in the league today. He's not afraid to speak his mind, which has gotten him into trouble a few times. But despite all this, he's still an amazing and important player. The 2011-12 Rookie of the Year is still a wizard on the court.
Irving strives to be a "beacon of light." He isn't the usual NBA player who simply just follows what the norm is. The star guard can still be himself moving forward and be an inspiration to the younger generation.
Also read: Jaylen Brown believes Kyrie Irving doesn't have antisemitic beliefs: “The terms for his return, they seem like a lot, and a lot of the players expressed discomfort with the terms"