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 days 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 had since announced he would make a $500,000 donation to groups working to eradicate hate, Irving admitting the film had a "negative impact" on the Jewish community.

That didn't happen when Irving appeared before reporters at the team's training facility on Thursday, and the Nets determined he needed to do more.

Irving, a seven-time NBA All-Star, was the top overall selection in the 2011 draft and is widely considered one of the best players in the league.

Irving once caused a flap by suggesting he believes the Earth is flat and in October he was criticized by NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for sharing a video from far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

- Beacon of light -

"The fact this has pitted me against the Jewish community and I'm here answering questions on whether or not I'm sorry or not on something I didn't create -- it was something I shared and I'm telling everybody I'm taking responsibility -- then that's where I sit," Irving said.

Irving spoke about Black history and slavery, calling himself a "beacon of light" in darkness.

"So I'm not here to compare anyone's atrocities or tragic events that their families have dealt with for generations of time.

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