NBA's Nets suspend Irving at least five games in anti-semitism furore

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving looks on from the bench during an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving looks on from the bench during an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls

The Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five games on Thursday, saying they were "dismayed" by the NBA star's response after he was criticized for posting a link to anti-semitic material.

The Nets said in a statement they had made repeated efforts over the past several to work with Irving on the issue to "help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing anti-semitic hate.

"Such failure to disavow anti-semitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team. Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."

Silver was pleased that Irving and the Nets had since announced he and the team would make $500,000 donations to groups working to eradicate hate, Irving admitting the film had a "negative impact" on the Jewish community.

"We have decided that Kyrie will serve a suspension without pay until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct," the Nets said. "And the suspension period served is no less than five games."

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Originally published as NBA's Nets suspend Irving at least five games in anti-semitism furore