After anti-Semitism post |
NBA superstar Irving rows back
He had to reckon with these consequences.
NBA superstar Kyrie Irving (30) caused an anti-Semitism scandal last week. The Brooklyn Nets guard tweeted a link to the film Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, which has been criticized for being anti-Jewish.
After the public outcry over his post, Irving missed an opportunity to apologize at a press round. For this he is now being punished by his team!
As the Nets announced, Irving will be suspended for at least five games. It costs him $1.25 million (he gets $251,000 per game). His team writes: “We were dismayed that at a media meeting today, Kyrie refused to state unequivocally that he has no anti-Semitic beliefs or to acknowledge certain hateful content in the film. This wasn’t the first time he’s had an opportunity to speak out — and hasn’t.”
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After his suspension became known, Irving spoke up via Instagram. And suddenly he was able to apologise.
Irving: “To all Jewish families and communities who have been hurt and affected by my post, I am deeply sorry for the pain I have caused you and I apologize.”
And further: “I want to clear up any confusion about where I stand and fight against anti-Semitism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual statement setting out the specific beliefs in the documentary to which I agree and with which I disagree.”
The Nets, along with Irving, only released a statement on Wednesday. In it, both the players and the team announced a donation of $500,000 to the anti-discrimination organization “ADL”.
But they refuse to accept the donation. CEO Jonathan Greenblatt (51) on Twitter: “We were optimistic, but after seeing the debacle of a press conference, it is clear that Kyrie does not feel responsible for his actions. @ADL cannot in good conscience accept his donation.”
Irving avoided a direct apology and was publicly criticized for it by NBA boss Adam Silver (60).
Now he has to take a break…
