Kyrie Irving has no one to blame but himself for his current predicament and most would agree that he deserved some form of punishment for his recent antics.
What Irving did by posting a link to a controversial documentary was akin to throwing a grenade in a crowded room, closing the door and checking in after the explosion to see the damage it caused.
That’s irresponsible and straight-up wrong, especially when you have power and influence.
For his antics, he was suspended for five games without pay. Afterward, Kyrie issued an apology on social media.
“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,” said Irving’s statement in part.
But the Nets took things a step further by giving Irving a redemption checklist that he must adhere to in order to play again. A list that seems excessively punitive.
According to The Athletic’s Sham Charania, Kyrie has six items on his checklist that must be accomplished before the organization will consider letting him play again.
Kyrie must (as per Shams):
1) Issue an apology for posting a link to the movie on Oct. 27, condemn the harmful and false content and make clear that he does not have anti-Jewish beliefs.
2) Complete the anti-hate causes that Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League agreed upon in their joint release on Nov. 2 — including a $500,000 donation toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in communities.
3) Complete sensitivity training created by the Nets.
4) Complete antisemitic/anti-hate training designed by the Nets.
5) Meet with representatives from the Anti-Defamation League, as well as Jewish community leaders in Brooklyn.
6) After completing 1 to 5, meet with owner Joe Tsai and lead franchise officials and demonstrate the lessons learned and that the gravity of the harm caused in the situation is understood, and provide assurances that this type of behavior will not be repeated.
I can’t recall a punishment similar to Irving’s in professional sports.
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