Nets Say Irving's Apology Was "A Start", But Much More Needed

It was late at night Thursday, close to midnight, about four hours after he was suspended for five games, when Kyrie Irving finally posted an apology on Instagram for posting a link to an antisemitic film.

The Nets' 5-game-or-more suspension still stands of course, and GM Sean Marks says the apology is "a step in the right direction" but "certainly not enough" and that there are a number of steps Irving must follow—the remediation measures they spoke of—before he can rejoin the team.

Sean Marks says Kyrie’s apology last night was a good first step but the organization wants him to take some more steps — including meeting with Jewish leaders — before playing for the Nets again.

Marks said the organization never considered releasing Kyrie.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) November 4, 2022

Specifically, he'll need to meet with Jewish leaders, among other measures.

“There is going to be some remedial steps and measures that have been put in place for him to, obviously, seek some counseling designated by the team,” Marks said, adding, "dealing with some anti-hate and some Jewish leaders... We’ll evaluate and see if this is the right opportunity to bring him back.

“His actions will speak louder than words. And if he wants to participate in that, we’ll see where it all goes.”

Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks Friday morning in D.C. on Kyrie Irving: “The apology is a step in the right direction. It’s certainly not enough.” pic.twitter.com/H1Jtle5FAL
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) November 4, 2022