Kyrie Irving & the Nets’ $500K apology is all well and good, but what did he do?
While his talent can’t be denied, it’s his opinions in recent times that have unfortunately taken the spotlight. Is this time around a step too far?
As if they didn’t already have enough off the court issues to deal with, the Nets are once again back in the spotlight following a situation involving their star’s support for a very controversial topic.
Kyrie Irving & Nets pledge $500k to removing hate
If you’ve been following, you probably know that it recently came to light that Brooklyn Nets star, Kyrie Irving had previously made posts on social media in which he appeared to promote an antisemitic documentary. Following that revelation, it now seems both the player and the team have moved to address the serious issue. In a joint statement with the Anti-Defamation League on Wednesday, Irving’s and the Nets pledged to make $500,000 donations “towards causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.” Irving himself, also added his own statement about his role in the aforementioned controversy
“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” read Irving’s prepared statement. “I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So, from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”
What exactly did Kyrie Irving do?
By now you’ve probably remembered that rapper Kanye West recently became embroiled in scandal, after making less than complimentary statements about Jewish people. Needless to say, the added focus on the topic of antisemitism does not help Irving’s case. Regarding what he actually did, it was last Thursday, when Irving posted a link to an antisemitic documentary on his Twitter and Instagram. Following Saturday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, Irving was asked about the film. His response was unfortunately not apologetic. “I’m not going to stand down on anything that I believe in,” Irving said at the time. “I’m only going to get stronger because I’m not alone. I have a whole army around me.”
Kyrie Irving has courted controversy before
It’s worth mentioning, that this isn’t Irving’s first rodeo. Over the last few years, the seven-time All-Star has gone from promoting the outlandish conspiracy theories of Alex Jones, to even claiming that the Earth is flat. Of course, most recently Irving drew major criticism for refusing the covid-19 vaccine, a decision which resulted in him missing the large majority of last season’s games. Interestingly, the NBA itself has taken no official stance on Irving’s actions, however, the NBAPA issued a statement in which they condemned antisemitism, without naming Irving. Ultimately, we can only hope the Nets point guard learned a lesson.