LeBron Breaks Silence on Kyrie Irving: 'He Should Be Able To Play'

LeBron James has broken his silence on the topic of Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets star who was suspended from the NBA over a controversial social media post, and said that Irving should be allowed to play basketball.

On Thursday, James tweeted, "I told you guys that I don't believe in sharing hurtful information. And I'll continue to be that way but Kyrie apologized and he should be able to play. That's what I think. It's that simple. Help him learn- but he should be playing. What he's asked to do to get back on...the floor I think is excessive IMO. He's not the person that's being portrayed of him. Anyways back to my rehab session," he said in a follow-up tweet, referencing a groin injury he suffered on Wednesday night.

Irving, who is known for discussing conspiracy theories off the court, posted a link to a documentary that has been criticized for being antisemitic entitled Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America on Twitter at the end of October, sparking backlash from many, including the NBA, Nets team owner Joe Tsai and several Jewish organizations.

After initially refusing to acknowledge that his actions may have been antisemitic, Irving then posted a formal apology on Instagram, in which he wrote, "While doing research on YHWH [Yahweh, name for the God of the Israelites], 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.

"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."

"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 added.

Irving and the Nets said last week that the point guard plans to work with the Anti-Defamation League to fight antisemitism, and the statement added that each party plans to donate $500,000 to organizations "that work to eradicate hate and intolerance."

Still, Irving told reporters last Thursday when asked if he held antisemitic beliefs that "I respect all walks of life. I embrace all walks of life. That's where I sit."

The Nets later said in another statement that they were "dismayed" by Irving's refusal to "unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film."

"Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team," the statement added. "Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."

Newsweek reached out to representatives for Irving and James for comment.