Basketball player Kyrie Irving has had to speak to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about a controversial post, believed by many to be anti-Semitic, that he made on his social media.
• Also read: Always a bitter taste in the mouth of the Rouge et Or
• Also read: 76ers lost two draft picks
The Brooklyn Nets veteran is embarrassed over the past few days promoting a film that promotes hate speech and discrimination. On Monday, during the game against the Indiana Pacers, fans lining the front of the field gave him a pretty clear message. They wore T-shirts that said, “Fight anti-Semitism.”
Adam Silver was also unfazed by Irving’s actions.
“He made a reckless decision to link to a film that contained genuinely offensive and anti-Semitic material. We appreciate that he wants to work with the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to fight anti-Semitism and all other forms of discrimination. However, I’m really disappointed that he didn’t sincerely apologize and denounce the hurtful content of this film. I will be meeting with Kyrie in person next week to discuss this,” the leader said in a statement.
The headmaster concerned defended himself a few days after the turbulence began as follows: “I am aware of the negative impact of my message on the Jewish community and accept responsibility for it,” he said, as reported by several media outlets, including L’Équipe. I don’t believe anything said in the film is true or reflects my morals and principles. I did not want to harm any group, race or religion. I just want to be a vector of truth and light. This anti-Semitic label that is being stuck on me is unjustified and does not reflect the reality or truth in which I live every day.
Irving has averaged 26.9 points per game this season.