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Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving will donate $500,000 and work with the Anti-Defamation League to fight hate and intolerance after publishing a controversial social media post about an anti-Semitic film.
In a joint statement with the Nets and the ADL, Irving distanced himself from the film and book and acknowledged the consequences of his social media post. The Nets, who have not publicly fined or suspended Irving, announced they will provide a matching $500,000 donation.
“I reject all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” Irving said in the statement. “I am aware of the negative impact my office has on the Jewish community and I accept responsibility. I don’t believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles.”
Irving, who faced severe criticism for nearly a week, stayed close to issuing a formal apology.
“I’m a learner from all walks of life, and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen,” he said. “So my family and I didn’t want to harm any group, race or religion of the people and just want to be a beacon of truth and light.”
In his post Thursday, Irving linked to the movie Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America. When questioned by reporters on Saturday about the content of the film and a previous social media post about Alex Jones’ New World Order conspiracy theory, Irving denied being anti-Semitic but refused to apologize, arguing that “History should not be hidden from anyone. ” During the heated exchange, he said he had not done anything illegal or harmed anyone. Irving added that the “New World Order” conspiracy theory was “true.”
Following Irving’s post and subsequent statements, the NBA, the National Basketball Players Association, the Nets and team owner Joe Tsai issued statements against anti-Semitism. Irving eventually deleted the post without public comment, and a group of eight fans sat courtside during the Nets’ win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday wearing t-shirts that read “Fight Antisemitism.”
“At a time when anti-Semitism has reached historic proportions, we know that the best way to fight the oldest hate is to confront it head-on, and also to change hearts and minds,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of ADL. “Through this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open up dialogue and increase understanding.”
Nets general manager Sean Marks said Tuesday Irving did not meet with the media on Monday or Tuesday because he needed time to “boil down.” Marks added that he and Tsai were in talks with the ADL.
“I’m certainly not proud of the situation we’re in,” Marks said. “I would like to play basketball again. … There is no tolerance in this organization and no place for hate speech or anti-Semitic statements.”
After Brooklyn parted ways with coach Steve Nash on Tuesday, Irving looked disinterested during a 108-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls. The seven-time All-Star finished the 2-on-12 shooting with just four points, the lowest total of his four-year Nets tenure.
The Nets said on Wednesday that they would work with the ADL, a non-profit organization, to develop “an inclusive education program that comprehensively combats all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry.”
“The events of the past week have sparked many emotions within the Nets organization, our Brooklyn community and the nation,” the organization said in a statement. “The public discourse that followed raised awareness of the challenges we face as a society in combating hate and hate speech. We are ready to take on this challenge, recognizing that this is a unique moment to make a lasting impact.”
Irving, 30, is averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Nets, who started 2-6. The 2011 draft’s No. 1 pick was a lightning rod for criticism during much of his tenure at Brooklyn, including his polarizing decision to go unvaccinated throughout last season.
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