Kyrie Irving is close to completing the process to return to the Brooklyn Nets lineup and could be back on the court for Sunday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Irving has missed the last seven games after he was suspended by the Nets after he shared a link to a documentary film with antisemitic views on social media, then failed to apologize to people of the Jewish faith despite being given multiple chances to do so.
“Kyrie is continuing his journey of dialogue and education,” NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio told ESPN on Wednesday night. “He has been grappling with the full weight of the impact of his voice and actions, particularly in the Jewish community. Kyrie rejects antisemitism in any form, and he’s dedicated to bettering himself and increasing his level of understanding. He plans to continue this journey well into the future to ensure that his words and actions align with his pursuit of truth and knowledge.”
At the time, the team said Irving was unfit to be associated with the Nets and gave him a list of conditions to complete before reinstatement would be considered. Those requirements are:
• Irving must apologize for posting a link to a documentary containing antisemitic material. He also must condemn the movie.
• Irving must make a $500,000 donation to anti-hate causes.
• Irving must receive sensitivity training.
• Irving must take training to educate himself on antisemitism.
• Irving must meet with the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish leaders.
• Irving must meet with Nets owner Joseph Tsai to demonstrate his understanding of the issues.
The Nets have gone 4-3 without Irving during his suspension and are 6-9 overall, 5.5 games behind first-place Boston in the Eastern Conference standings.
