Kyrie Irving fine, suspension history: Tracking how much money star guard has lost with Cavaliers, Celtics and Nets

The Nets finally reached their breaking point on Thursday night.

Brooklyn announced that it had suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five games after he repeatedly failed to apologize for a social media post that included a link to a film featuring antisemitic messaging. The seven-time All-Star told reporters that he took responsibility for his tweet, but he stopped short of apologizing during his afternoon media availability.

“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,” the statement said. “This was not the first time he had the opportunity — but failed — to clarify.

“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. Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.”

Hours after the Nets announced the suspension, Irving issued an apology on Instagram, saying that he “initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled antisemitic” and was “deeply sorry” to have hurt members of the Jewish community.

“I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate,” Irving said. “I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all.”

Irving will not be paid during his suspension, adding to a long list of career fines. 

MORE: Fact-checking ‘Hebrews to Negroes’ movie tweeted by Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving fine, suspension history

(Via Spotrac)

Cavaliers

Spotrac’s database, which goes back to the 2015 season, notes that Irving was fined $2,000 on six different occasions after being whistled for technical fouls.

Celtics

Irving earned a few more technical fouls in Boston, but the vast majority of his financial losses stemmed from two incidents. He used inappropriate language toward a fan in October 2017 ($25,000), and he threw a ball into the stands in November 2018 ($25,000).

Nets

The fines really started stacking up for Irving when he was not compliant with health and safety protocols, costing him more than $380,000 per missed game during the 2021-22 season, according to Spotrac.

Career

Irving is set to lose approximately $1.25 million for his current five-game suspension, though that number could climb if the Nets extend his punishment.

Sean Marks says Kyrie’s apology last night was a good first step but the organization wants him to take some more steps — including meeting with Jewish leaders — before playing for the Nets again.

Marks said the organization never considered releasing Kyrie.

— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) November 4, 2022

On a per-game basis, Irving’s fine breaks down to $251,000 for each missed game.

How long will Kyrie Irving be suspended?

Irving will miss the Nets’ matchups with the Wizards, Hornets, Mavericks, Knicks and Clippers. His earliest possible return date is Sunday, Nov. 13, when the Nets face the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.

Here are Brooklyn’s next 10 games of the 2022-23 regular season: