Labor Organization Files Labor Complaint Against Brooklyn Nets Over Kyrie Irving Suspension

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Brooklyn Nets
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

As point guard Kyrie Irving was preparing for his return against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, the Brooklyn Nets were accused of violating federal law by an activist group that filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The NLRB charge arose after the team suspending Irving for tweeting about the allegedly antisemitic film “Hebrews To Negroes: Wake Up Black America”.

The group that filed the charge against the Nets is called The Labor Organizers. In the charge, which the NLRB will investigate as part of its administrative powers, the Nets are accused of violating both the federal labor law and the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The player’s suspension was originally meant to be only four games. However, the punishment came with a list of six tasks the Nets were requiring Irving to complete before he could be permitted to return to the court.

“Under the (uniform player contract) and CBA a team can terminate … (an) employment contract by first following the waiver protocol,” the complaint says. “The Brooklyn Nets indefinite suspension of the employee is a tactic to avoid compliance with the waiver protocol. If the employer followed the waiver protocol (Irving’s) contract with the Nets would officially end and (his) free agency period would begin.”

If the NLRB finds that there is validity to the charge, it can use its enforcement powers to
fine the team or seek other equitable or injunctive relief, if applicable.


Irving put together 14-points and five rebounds in his return from action against the Grizzlies, contributing to a 122-115 victory over its conference opponent.

The Moguldom Nation has more HERE.

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