“You can’t take my 40 million dollars and insult my religion” - Charles Barkley reacts to Kyrie Irving’s anti-Semitic Twitter post
Kyrie Irving has hogged the headlines again for the wrong reasons. The mercurial point guard caused an uproar when he posted a link to a notoriously anti-Semitic book which later became a film.
The NBA still has not handed out any punishment to the Brooklyn Nets playmaker, if indeed one will be served. Charles Barkley asserted that the league dropped the ball concerning the lack of repercussions against Irving. Here’s what he had to say on the issue:
“I think he should have been suspended. I think Adam [Silver] should have suspended him. Adam is Jewish. You can’t take my $40 million and insult my religion. I think the NBA made a mistake. We have suspended and fined people who have made homophobic slurs.
“I can’t believe that we’re not talking about basketball. We’re talking about this idiot.”
"I think he should have been suspended. Adam Silver should have suspended him. They made a mistake. I can't believe we're talking about this idiot."
Charles Barkley on Kyrie Irving
#NBATwitter https://t.co/dnlykjx6i4
The NBA and the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly discussing how to proceed with Kyrie Irving’s latest brouhaha. Both the Nets and team owner Joe Tsai have already unequivocally stated that hate of any sort should never be tolerated.
So far, there has been no mention of any disciplinary action that will be sanctioned or levied against Irving.
In March 2021, Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard was on Twitch streaming while playing Call of Duty when he made an anti-Semitic comment. The Heat, which is owned by Israeli-American billionaire Micky Arison, promptly suspended Leonard and fined him $50,000.
Leonard quickly and sincerely apologized for what he did albeit unintentionally but hasn’t played in the league since, making just three appearances for Miami.
Last year, Heat center Meyers Leonard used an anti-Semitic phrase while playing a video game. After apologizing, Leonard was quickly suspended from all team activities, fined $50,000 and required to participate in a cultural diversity program.
ZERO repercussions for Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving, meanwhile, has been unapologetic and has shown hardly any signs of remorse so far. He has also continued to play for the Brooklyn Nets with no punishment being handed down.
When questioned by ESPN’s Nick Friedell about his post, he strongly pushed back and told the NBA Insider not to dehumanize him. Irving took down his post but hasn’t issued anything that resembles an apology or contriteness.
The NBA, NBPA and even Nike have all condemned what Irving did but have done nothing more.
Kyrie Irving plays his worst game in years in the Brooklyn Nets’ home loss to the visiting Chicago Bulls
Kyrie Irving is considered by many to be the most skilled player in the NBA today. However, he didn’t score a single point in the first half against the Chicago Bulls.
The former Rookie of the Year winner finished the game with just four points, six rebounds and seven assists. He played 33 minutes during which the Brooklyn Nets were outscored by 14 points.
Kevin Durant desperately tried to carry the Nets and scored 32 points but just didn’t have enough support from the team.
Kyrie Irving tonight:
4 Points
7 Assists
6 Rebounds
2/12 FGM
0/6 3PM https://t.co/nE4FFV4Obb
The Bulls, who trailed for most of the way, uncorked a blistering 17-2 run midway through the fourth quarter. Chicago clamped down on Durant and dared Kyrie Irving and others to beat them.
Brooklyn didn’t show the kind of character that defines championship teams and melted behind Zach LaVine’s incredible shooting. LaVine torched the Nets for 29 points as the Bulls secured a 108-99 win.
The Brooklyn Nets are now 2-6 and desperately looking to right their ship.