Kyrie Irving apologizes for posting anti-Semitic documentary after team suspends him

Brooklyn Nets basketball player Kyrie Irving apologized for posting a documentary that included anti-Semitic material after the team suspended him without pay for at least five games. 

"While doing research on YHWH, I posted a Documentary that contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibly for my actions," Irving wrote on his Instagram. "I am grateful to have a big platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward by having an open dialogue to learn more and grow from this."

YHWH is the spelling of God's name in the Hebrew Bible and is typically rendered either as Yahweh or Jehovah.

Irving previously faced calls to apologize after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver denounced his tweet, but refused. After his suspension, Irving apologized. 

"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," the post continued. "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. I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti- semticism [sic] by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with. I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all. I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am."

Before Irving's apology, the Brooklyn Nets put out their own statement regarding the situation. 

"Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing antisemitic hate," the team said in a statement, according to Fox News. "We believed that taking the path of education in this challenging situation would be the right one and thought that we had made progress with our joint commitment to eradicating hate and intolerance."

As of now, Irving is still suspended without pay for at least five games.