Irving and the Nets will each donate $500,000 to causes ‘that work to eradicate intolerance’

The Brooklyn Nets, along with Kyrie Irving and the Anti-Defamation League, have released a joint statement after their star player caused a stir by tweeting about a movie based on a “toxic anti-Semitic” book.

In a lengthy statement posted to social media Wednesday night, the Nets said: “The events of the past week have stirred up a lot of emotion within the Nets organization, our community in Brooklyn and the nation.

“The public discourse that has followed has increased awareness of the challenges we face as a society when it comes to combating hate and hate speech. We are ready to take on this challenge and we recognize that this is a unique moment to make a lasting impact.

“To advance education within our community, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets are donating $500,000 each to charities and organizations working to eradicate hate and bigotry in our communities.

The Nets and Kyrie Irving will partner with ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), a non-profit organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred that undermine justice and fair treatment for every individual.

“This is an effort to develop educational programs that are inclusive and will fully combat all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry.”

Quoted in the statement, Irving said: “I am against all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strongly against communities that are marginalized and affected every day.

‘I am aware of the negative impact of my position on the Jewish community and I take my responsibility. I do not believe that anything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles.

“I am a human being who learns from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we didn’t mean to harm any group, race or religion of people, and just wanted to be a beacon of truth and light.

The joint statement comes after Irving drew attention last week for publishing the 2018 film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” ​​on social media with a link to his Amazon page.

The film is based on a book by Ronald Dalton Jr. of the same name, and Rolling Stone pointed out that it claims that “many famous high-ranking Jews” have admitted to “worship.”[ing] Satan or Lucifer.’

Both NBA and Nets owner Joe Tsai released statements condemning Irving’s position, though he was not suspended or fined, and reiterated his stance Saturday night after Brooklyn’s loss to the Pacers.

“I’m not going to shrink from anything I believe in. I will only get stronger because I am not alone. I have a whole army around me.’

Irving was asked about his “promotion” of the book/movie by ESPN’s Nick Friedell, which sparked a spirited exchange between the pair.

“Can you please not call it a promotion?” said Irving. ‘What am I promoting?’

The reporter then began to explain that Irving had shared it on his platform, but the guard quickly cut him off and asked, “But do you see me promoting it? Yes, I put it there, just like you put things there, right? You put things there for a living, right? Great, so let’s move on.’

The reporter tried to intervene again, but Irving kept talking over him and said, “Let’s move on. Don’t dehumanize me here. I am a different person. I can post whatever I want. So say that and close it and move on to the next question’

Friedell then tried to intervene again, saying, “Kyrie, you must understand…” but Irving snapped back, “I don’t need to understand anything from you.”

Irving was also met on Monday by fans off the field wearing T-shirts that read “Fight Anti-Semitism” during the Nets’ second game with the Pacers.

Irving approached the fans and said, “Thank you for you,” he said a Brooklyn fan.