Report: Nets' Kyrie Irving Expected to Play vs. Grizzlies After 8-Game Suspension

According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Brooklyn Nets are expected to have point guard Kyrie Irving back in time for Sunday's game against Memphis.

The Nets suspended Irving for at least five games because of his promotion of an antisemitic film on social media.

Irving didn't say that he didn't hold antisemitic beliefs in his conversations with the media, and he didn't apologize for the posts.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, Irving refused to speak about the situation because he didn't want to offend the Nets.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Nets imposed a suspension and issued six mandatory steps for Irving before he returned.

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania

Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team: - Apologize/condemn movie- $500K donation to anti-hate causes- Sensitivity training- Antisemitic training- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders

- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding

Irving apologized on social media for promoting the movie and for his initial response to the criticism.

Tsai and his wife, Clara, came away from a meeting with Irving believing that he did not harbor any feelings of hate towards Jews.

Joe Tsai @joetsai1999

The Nets and Kyrie, together with the NBA and NBPA, are working constructively toward a process of forgiveness, healing and education.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the Sports Business Journal Dealmakers Conference in Washington that he did not think Irving was antisemitic.

"Based on what he said to me, I have no doubt that he is not antisemitic," Silver said. There is a process that he needs to go through.

Silver said that "whether or not he is antisemitic is not relevant to the damage caused by the posting of hate speech."

On November 16th, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Irving was nearing completion of the process needed for him to return to the court, and that he could make his comeback on Sunday against the Memphis.

The National Basketball Players Association issued a statement.

Kyrie is on a path of dialogue and education. The impact of his voice and actions in the Jewish community has weighed heavily on him. He's dedicated to bettering himself and increasing his level of understanding and he doesn't accept antisemitism in any form. He wants his words and actions to correspond with his pursuit of truth and knowledge.

After missing eight games, Irving will return. He's already sat seven contests, and his last one away from the 6-9 Nets will be at the Portland Trail blazers.

Irving has averaged 26.9 points, 5.1 assists and 5.1 Rebounds.