KD unhappy with situation between Nets, Kyrie: 'It was all unnecessary'
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant said Friday he disapproves of how the ongoing state of affairs between Kyrie Irving and the organization played out in the public sphere.
"I'm not here to judge somebody or talk down on the life or how they feel their views," Durant told reporters, including Brian Lewis of the New York Post, on Friday. "I just didn't like anything that went on. I felt like it was all unnecessary. I felt like we could have just kept playing basketball and kept quiet as an organization."
Shortly after speaking with media, Durant clarified his comments on Twitter:
Just wanna clarify the statements I made at shootaround, I see some people are confused..I don’t condone hate speech or anti-semetism, I’m about spreading love always. Our game Unites people and I wanna make sure that’s at the forefront
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) November 4, 2022
The Nets suspended Irving for a minimum of five games Thursday for failing to condemn antisemitism on multiple occasions after he tweeted a link to a film containing numerous antisemitic tropes. They deemed Irving "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets" and said his suspension won't be lifted until he satisfies "objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct."
Hours after the Nets' release, Irving issued a statement on Instagram, apologizing for the first time to Jewish people.
Nets general manager Sean Marks acknowledged Irving's apology but said more needs to be done. He added Irving will be required to sit down with Jewish leaders within the community before the team permits him to return.
"His apology last night, that's a step in the right direction, but as we've stated, actions speak louder than words," Marks said, courtesy of Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today Sports. "So he's had some time, and there will be more time to reflect on this."
Irving is set to miss the Nets' games against the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers. If the team allows him to return immediately after his five-game suspension, he'd be eligible to play again Nov. 13 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
When asked if Irving's suspension was unfair, Durant, who said he hasn't spoken to his teammate since his apology late Thursday, deferred to the team.
"I believe and trust in the organization to do what's right," he said, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell.