Global corporation Nike has announced the previous partnership with NBA star Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets to let rest. Furthermore, his redesigned shoe, which was supposed to be released in November, is no longer in production and will not be available for sale. (NEWS: NBA star Irving under criticism)
The reason for this is Irving’s anti-Semitism scandal. In a statement, the sportswear manufacturer said: “We believe that there is no place for hate speech and we condemn all forms of anti-Semitism.” (NEWS: All current information about the NBA)
It continued, “It is for this reason that we have made the decision to pause our relationship with Kyrie Irving and will be the Kyrie 8 (Name of the new shoe, note d. editor) not put on the market. We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact.”
Kevin Durant commented on the incident on Friday after training. “I’m not here to judge anyone or to judge anyone for their feelings, their views or anything,” said the 34-year-old. “I just didn’t like what happened there. I feel like all of this was unnecessary. I felt like we could have just kept playing basketball and stayed calm as an organization. I just don’t like any of it.”
The Nets-Forward later spoke up again via Twitter to clarify his statements. “I just want to clarify the statements I made at the shootaround, I see some people are confused… I don’t condone hate speech or antisemitism, I’m always about spreading love. Our game unites people and I want to make sure that is at the forefront.”
In addition, his longtime teammate and friend LeBron James has now responded to the incidents. After the game of Los Angeles Lakers versus Utah Jazz the superstar made it clear: “I don’t condone any kind of hate. What Kyrie did hurt a lot of people and I don’t respect that.” (DATA: NBA results and schedule)
Already on Friday, Irving’s current team, the Brooklyn Nets, took action and suspended the 30-year-old for at least five games.
Background: Irving had attracted the displeasure of the fans with a tweet a few days ago. In the controversial post, Irving linked to a film based on a book full of anti-Semitic narratives.
Irving responds only after suspension
Among other things, the book describes the murder of six million Jews during National Socialism as one of “five essential untruths”. A disgusting denial of the Holocaust.
Irving didn’t offer an apology at first, before taking to social media hours after his suspension to say he was deeply sorry.
