Kyrie Irving, a Brooklyn Nets guard, claimed he “never had a doubt” he would rejoin the club after completing an eight-game punishment for “damaging effects of his conduct” about social media statements about a book and movie that had antisemitic notions.
After being out for more than two weeks, Irving was glad to be back on the court with his teammates as the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 127-115. Irving finished the game with 14 points and five rebounds.
It was enjoyable, Irving remarked. It was satisfying to finish this game so we could move on to the rest of the season. I missed my teammates and the coaching staff.
Irving was questioned about filing a complaint in the coming future about his suspension after apologizing once earlier on Sunday and affirming that he is “not antisemitic.”
Irving added that I have to leave that in the hands of my legal team and the fighters I have on my side. I’m sure I will do certain things in the future, but there must be a timeframe for it. “I have some strong people, men, and women, around me that will do everything power to ensure that I’m secured, my family’s protected, and we protect one another.”
After the game, Irving was questioned about how he would balance using his voice and platform with keeping the focus on the game. He responded that he wanted to maintain the focus on the game and dodged a few questions on off-the-court issues.
Irving remarked, “I’d like to be on a stage where I can express myself honestly without fear of rebuke or labeling.” Or dealing with opinions held by others that are unrelated to me.
Before Sunday’s game, scores of members of Israel United in Christ met fans outside Barclays Center and welcomed them. Many members of the group, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled as a hate group, distributed leaflets with the headlines “The Reality About Anti-Semitism” and “The Truth About Slavery.” Jaylen Brown, a swingman for the Boston Celtics, shared a clip of the group with the caption “Energy.”
Later, Brown said in a tweet, “I was celebrating the cooperation of our people greeting the return of Kyrie to the court, first take a peek I thought it was a known fraternity the (C/ Que’s) Omega psi phi (step) showing support. I was surprised to find out what specific group is outside Barclay’s Center tonight.
When questioned about the demonstration, Irving responded, “I think that’s a conversation for another day. I’m only here to concentrate on the game.
In-game, Irving’s return to the court and the emphasis placed on basketball rather than the problems that have dogged Irving and the team since his suspension on November 3 thrilled Nets players and coaches.