NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 25: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on May 25, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving finally apologizes to the Jewish community following the Anti-Semitism controversy that has plagued his season with the Brooklyn Nets.
Kyrie Irving has been right at the centre of controversy for the Brooklyn Nets this season. The Nets superstar got himself into the headlines for all the wrong reasons after he posted a tweet last week promoting a film portraying anti-Semitic sentiments and beliefs – and failed to either acknowledge his beliefs or come up with an apology for his actions despite being asked to do so.
It all started when Irving promoted a 2018 film known as “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” – a film based on a book of the same name that is infamously known for promoting hateful anti-Semitic tropes and ideologies. Kyrie’s tweet went viral in no time, and was quickly followed by statements from both the Brooklyn Nets as well as the franchise owner Joe Tsai.
Tsai’s statement as well as the Nets condemned Irving’s tweet and all forms of hatred based on race, religion or ethnicity, but it did not force Kyrie into apologizing for his actions or denying his beliefs at all. Even when fans began to attend games wearing “Fight Anti-Semitism” shirts at the Barclays Center, Kyrie did not budge from his stance or apologize for his actions until now.
It was only after the Nets suspended Irving for at least five games without pay that he decided to come up with an apology.
Kyrie apologized to the Jewish community for his tweet in his new statement.
The 2016 NBA champion followed up the news of his suspension with a statement of apology. Kyrie addressed the Jewish community as he said: “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.”
The suspension will see Irving miss at least five games, and will be a major blow to the struggling Brooklyn Nets’ season – who are currently 1-6 and have no head coach.
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