Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving was suspended by his team for a minimum of five games this past week.
Irving’s decision to promote antisemitic materials on his social media account prompted severe initial backlash. When he refused to apologize and took something of a defiant stance on the matter, the Nets decided to suspend him.
In light of the move, many have taken to wondering: how much money will this cost Irving?
Now we know.
Irving is owed $35.9 million this year. On a per game basis, that breaks down to roughly $437,000 per outing. Five games missed would amount to about $2.2 million in fines.
For context: he gave up $17 million last year in fines over his refusal to get vaccinated. So this most recent thing is a drop in the bucket.
Irving, meanwhile, has tried to make amends since being suspended.
“To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize,” Irving wrote on Instagram.
“I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary. I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti- semitism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with.
“I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all.”
LeBron James came out on Friday with a fairly strong stance on Irving’s comments, but other players have been more tolerant.
LSU star Olivia Dunne takes aim at Alabama in her new video. https://t.co/F0N4dJh57a
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 5, 2022
How much money will Irving end up losing before he ultimately returns to the court?
Will he actually return to the court?
An answer one way or the other should come over the next few days and weeks.
Related: Clippers Star Kawhi Leonard’s Injury Secretly Worse Than Anticipated?
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
