How Does Meyers Leonard’s Punishment for Antisemitism Compare to Kyrie Irving’s?

Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving was recently suspended for posting an Anti-semitic film on his social media. His suspension is set to be at least five games, and Irving will have to complete a series of actions before the Nets place him back in the lineup. Irving issued an apology on his Instagram and previously refusing to apologize.

“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,” Irving said. “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.”

This issue has been polarizing to say the least. Many are either strictly condemning or supporting Irving. Some have even started to compare this ordeal to Meyers Leonard’s anti-semitic comments made in 2021. Leonard was caught saying a Jewish slur live while gaming on Twitch. He was immediately suspended and many believe that these remarks are why he is still out of the league today.

Some are calling Leonard’s punishment unfair in comparison to Irving’s.

The NBA double standard for stars is really embarrassing. Meyers Leonard was suspended by the league for a week and then never played in the NBA again.
— Greg (@gwiss) November 3, 2022

Meyers Leonard uttered a horrible, derogatory term for a Jewish person while playing a video game and has not played in the NBA since.

Kyrie Irving is TRIPLING down on an anti-Semitic documentary and there have been minimal repercussions.

What is going on?
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) November 3, 2022

Many point out the difference in prominence between the two. 620 Rip City Radio co-host Dwight Jaynes says that Irving’s talent as a player granted him a lighter punishment than Leonard.

“Meanwhile, Meyers Leonard is banished from the league for uttering one word that he didn't really understand how serious it was,” Jaynes said. “Standards are different for different players, same as the officiating.”

Meanwhile, Meyers Leonard is banished from the league for uttering one word that he didn't really understand how serious it was. Standards are different for different players, same as the officiating. https://t.co/0IPfBmcws7
— Dwight Jaynes (@dwightjaynes) November 1, 2022

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.