Kyrie Irving continues to reduce popularity with controversial decisions

Kyrie Irving (Erik Drost, Wikimedia Commons)

The constant controversy surrounding Australian-born NBA superstar Kyrie Irving is continuing. On Thursday, Irving was suspended at least five games by the Brooklyn Nets organization “for posting a link to antisemitic work on his Twitter feed” according to the Associated Press.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver had requested that Irving issue an apology. When Irving refused, the Nets decided to take the initiative and suspend Irving themselves. The Nets put out a statement stating Irving is “currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.”

It was not only the Brooklyn Nets and the NBA which are disturbed with Irving at this time. According to the Associated Press on Friday, Nike has suspended its relationship with Irving and cancelled its plans to release a Kyrie Irving signature shoe.

This is the second straight year where Irving has been at the center of controversy. A year ago he missed significant time because of his decision not to be vaccinated for coronavirus. 

The controversies surrounding Irving off the court is impacting the Nets’ team performance on the court. After nine games, the Nets have only won three times. On Tuesday this past week, the Nets parted ways with head coach Steve Nash of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 

The bottom line is Irving, Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons are critical to the Nets success this season. Simmons, a native of Melbourne, is currently out with a knee injury. Irving has played eight games for the Nets and is averaging 26.9 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 5.1 assists per game. He has a field goal percentage of .453, three point percentage of .280, and free throw percentage of .927.

The fact that the Nets have stated “at least” five games regarding the suspension, states that the suspension will be up for evaluation. There is a possibility that Irving could be suspended more than five games. Is the suspension of five games right, too harsh, or too lenient? Tell us what you think in the comments below.