The Facts
The Brooklyn Nets have suspended Kyrie Irving for a minimum of five games without pay. The NBA team made the announcement Thursday after the star point guard failed to disavow antisemitism.
It comes a week after the scandal first erupted on Oct. 27 when Irving tweeted a link to the movie 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America' — a film containing numerous antisemitic tropes.
The Spin
Narrative A
Irving is arguably one of the greatest talents the NBA has ever seen. However, this latest incident, among a barrage of other off-court ravings — from anti-vax sentiments to re-posting Alex Jones — is unacceptable. Racism and bigotry shouldn't be tolerated in any business of repute in America — including the NBA.
Narrative B
While Irving's post was unquestionably insensitive, it wasn't meant to be a promotion of racism or hate speech. Rather than denouncing him as a racist, as the media has been quick to do, this incident would better serve as an opportunity for him and the Nets organization to learn, grow, and move on.