Kyrie Irving Gives Late Apology After Suspension In Antisemitism Flap

NEW YORK CITY — Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving finally offered a late apology for sharing an anti-Semitic documentary after a firestorm of controversy that ultimately led to his unpaid suspension for at least five games.

"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," he wrote in an Instagram post late Thursday. "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."

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Irving had pointedly refused to unequivocally apologize in the days after he shared a link to an antisemitic movie on Twitter.

The controversy reached a fever pitch Thursday morning, when during an after practice interview Irving gave an at-best wishy-washy answer on whether he held antisemitic beliefs.

Nets leaders, under pressure from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, declared him "currently unfit" to be associated with the team and suspended him for at least five games without pay.

“We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film," a statement from the team read.

"This was not the first time he had the opportunity — but failed — to clarify."

Irving, in his Instagram post, wrote he should have outlined what aspects of the film he agreed and disagreed with.

"I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate," he wrote.

Irving is expected to meet with Silver in the coming week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.