Brooklyn guard Kyrie Irving said Saturday that he believes in all religions, two days after he appeared to show support for an anti-Semitic film.
The NBA, meanwhile, delved into the matter by issuing a statement condemning hate speech, but not mentioning Irving by name or directly referring to his latest controversial story.
“I’m an OMNIST and didn’t want to disrespect anyone’s religious beliefs,” read a tweet posted to Irving’s account. “The label of ‘anti-Semitism’ that is being applied to me is unjustified and does not reflect the reality or truth in which I live every day. I embrace and want to learn from all walks of life and religions.”
Nets owner Joe Tsai said Friday he was disappointed that Irving appeared to endorse a film “based on a book full of anti-Semitic disinformation.” The Nets Star Guard posted a link to the movie Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America on Twitter Thursday. The synopsis on Amazon states that the film “reveals the true identity of the Children of Israel.”
I’m disappointed that Kyrie appears to be supporting a film based on a book full of anti-Semitic disinformation. I want to sit down and make sure he understands that this is hurtful to all of us and as a man of faith it is wrong to encourage hatred based on race, ethnicity or religion.
— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) October 29, 2022
Irving played in Saturday’s Nets game against Indiana.
“The organization spoke to Kyrie about it,” said Nets coach Steve Nash, who didn’t give details of what that meant.
Tsai and the Nets were quick to respond to recent troubles caused by Irving, who previously supported the idea of a flat earth and shared an old clip of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones on social media last month.
“I want to sit down and make sure he understands that this is hurtful to all of us and as a man of faith it is wrong to encourage hatred based on race, ethnicity or religion,” Tsai wrote of Irving on Twitter.
The NBA said Saturday, “Hate speech of any kind is unacceptable.”
“We believe we all have a role to play in ensuring that any such words or ideas, including anti-Semitic ones, are challenged and refuted, and we will continue to work with all members of the NBA community to ensure everyone has the.” Understand the implications of their words and actions. ‘ the league said.
It wasn’t clear if this means the league has spoken to Irving or plans to speak to him on the matter.
Irving was unavailable for most of the Nets’ home games last season because he refused to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as required in New York City. The Nets then declined to give him a contract extension this summer, meaning Irving could be in his final season with the team.
“The Brooklyn Nets strongly condemns and does not tolerate the promotion of any form of hate speech,” the team said in a statement. “We believe that our first action in these situations must be an open, honest dialogue. We thank those, including the ADL, who have supported us during this time.”
Nash was asked Saturday if he felt the latest Irving storyline was a distraction for the team.
“I don’t think our group is unduly affected by the situation,” Nash said. “We’ve had so many situations over the last 2 1/2 years that I think we’ve built up some immunity to some of them. I also think our guys are not that familiar with the material.”