NBA-Brooklyn Nets suspend Kyrie Irving for refusing to disavow anti-Semitism

:The Brooklyn Nets on Thursday suspended star guard Kyrie Irving for at least five games, saying that despite holding a second press conference to address a controversial documentary he had still refused to disavow anti-Semitism.

Irving has faced heavy criticism since posting a link to the 2018 film on Twitter last week and initially defended doing so during a contentious post-game news conference over the weekend.

The seven-time All Star has since deleted the Twitter post and in a press conference earlier on Thursday said he meant no harm. Irving took "responsibility" for posting the link but did not specifically denounce the film or its message, which civil rights activists have called anti-Semitic.

"We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no anti-Semitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film," the Nets said in a statement announcing his suspension.

The team said Irving would be suspended until he undergoes a series of unspecified "remedial measures", but no less than five games.

The Nets next game is Friday night against the Wizards in Washington. If he serves a five-game suspension, Irving would be available to play Nov. 13 against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Irving issued a joint statement with the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League on Wednesday, saying he opposed all forms of hatred. Irving and the Nets also said they would each donate $500,000 toward organizations that work to eradicate hate.

The National Basketball Association and union representing its players have also issued statements condemning hate speech.

"Kyrie Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to a film containing deeply offensive anti-Semitic