Fan says Kyrie Irving ‘should be welcomed back’ if he completes suspension requirements

A fan who showed up at the Nets-Pacers game last Monday wearing a shirt addressing Kyrie Irving’s recent actions says the Nets guard should be “welcomed back” if and when he returns from his suspension of at least five games.

Irving was heavily criticized for sharing an Amazon link to “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” a film full of anti-Semitic tropes, and later declined to answer whether he held anti-Semitic beliefs, saying he “cannot be anti-Semitic.” . – Semitic if he knows where he comes from.’

The Brooklyn star was suspended after those comments from the Nets “until he complies with a set of objective corrective actions that address the damaging impact of his behavior,” the team said in a statement.

But Mike Dube, who wore a “FIGHT ANTISEMITISM” shirt with his son Jake at the Barclays Center last week, thinks Irving should be given a chance to correct his mistakes.

“I think there must be repercussions in every degree of life… I think if he was willing after a five-game suspension and Nike’s cancellation of his sneaker contract, [and] he showed a degree of [remorse]100% he should be welcomed back,” he told DailyMail.com.

I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I don’t want to quote the scriptures, but that’s how I live.”

Mike Dube (left) and his son Jake wore the shirts to a Nets game against the Pacers last week

Dube, an Orthodox Jew, helped found the charity Sharing Seats, which gives sick and underprivileged children tickets to sporting events.

He was part of a larger group of fans who wore the shirts to the field while the Nets played against Indiana, and said he would be happy to talk to Irving.

The 50-year-old said he would strive to “hear his thoughts” in a theoretical discussion with the seven-time All-Star before responding with his own.

And by explaining Irving’s missteps, Dube made it clear that he doesn’t believe the Net acted maliciously.

“I’m a big fan of his,” he said.

“But when you’re in the public arena, you have to be aware of what you’re saying, because it can be misunderstood. Because the millions of children who follow him now think this is acceptable.’

However, Dube also noted that “there should be respect for other people’s beliefs.”

Irving has 4.6 million followers on Twitter and 17.6 million on Instagram, where he apologized for the first time on Thursday since his first posting of the film.

Kyrie Irving will have to meet a series of requirements drawn up by the Nets to return to court

Still, Irving Reportedly must meet with local Jewish leaders and undergo anti-Semitic training — among other things — to return to the team.

Irving has also seen his Nike contract suspended, with the company canceling the planned release of his Kyrie 8 shoe, which was slated for later this month.

The film is based on a book of the same name, which denies the Holocaust, noting that “many famous high-ranking Jews” have “admitted”[ing] Satan or Lucifer,” as Rolling Stone noted.

Dube, who said he approached the situation “with love,” admitted he didn’t know Irving’s true beliefs or feelings, but was more stern when addressing the lack of current NBA players who have spoken out against anti-Semitism in recent days. .

While LeBron James said he did not condone hate speech, NBAPA Vice President Jaylen Brown said the players’ union is expected to appeal Irving’s suspension, and earlier players like Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller and Shaquille O’Neal were the loudest voices against Irving.

“People are not willing to act per se because they are trying to avoid the issue or not talk about it,” Dube said.

Dube (third from left) was part of a larger group of fans wearing the shirts during the match

“And that’s a big challenge… people aren’t willing to always stand up for what’s right, or what’s important.

By potentially returning to court, Irving has a chance to do just that.

“I think he has a great opportunity if he wants to, and if he feels it, to really come forward on these issues,” Dube said.

“Nobody will force Kyrie Irving to say anything unless Kyrie wants to speak to Irving.”