Kyrie Irving says he ‘deletes a lot of things on Instagram’ after apology for movie link was removed

The newest member of the Dallas Mavericks spent most of his first news conference with the team addressing the controversies that tainted his legacy in Brooklyn.

Point guard Kyrie Irving spoke to the press for the first time since a trade from the Brooklyn Nets to Dallas closed.

Irving joined the team in Los Angeles ahead of a game against the Clippers on Wednesday night that will likely be the first time we’ve seen Irving in a Mavericks uniform.

One particular standout from that conference was Irving’s comments on a recently deleted apology he wrote after posting the link to the movie Hebrews for Blacks: Wake Up Black America on his Instagram story.

The film is based on a 2015 book of the same name, which has been described as “venomously anti-Semitic”.

The apology no longer appears on Irving’s Instagram account, and the post was apparently removed prior to his move to the Mavericks.

“I delete a lot of stuff on my Instagram,” Irving responded to a question. ‘You know, I’ve had things happen before in my life, probably not as drastic as that time, which created a lot of confusion and uncertainty.

‘I felt like, I don’t know what I meant and what I stand for. And I had to sit at these microphones and explain to the world who I am when I know who I am.

‘So, you know, I delete things all the time, and it’s not disrespectful to anyone within the community, I just live my life.

Irving was recently traded to the Brooklyn Mavericks for a package of players and picks.

When asked if he stands by his apology, Irving first seemed to start to dodge the question before finally saying yes.

“I stand by who I am and what I apologized for,” Irving began. ‘And I did it because I care about my family and I have Jewish family members who care deeply about me.

‘Did the media know that beforehand, when they call me that word, anti-Semite? No. Did you know anything about my family? No, everything was assumed. Everything went dark before he had anything to say.

And I reacted, instead of responding emotionally, with maturity. I didn’t want to get defensive or attack anyone. So I stand by my apologies and stand with my people everywhere, all walks of life, all races, all religions, same thing.

Irving practiced with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday before tomorrow’s game.

Irving was then asked if he had any conversations with those Jewish members of his family and if or how the film hurt them.

“I’ve had a lot of conversations about world history,” Irving said. ‘What…was contained there was contained there. I didn’t agree with everything.

I’ve been up here saying that. I’m going to leave it like that. My family is my family.

‘If the media cared about my family, and really… I’m not saying that all the media doesn’t want to upset anyone… but specific members of the media actually cared to investigate, rather than being the first to in reporting. things and they would know where I come from…

“The diversity of my family is beautiful and I continue to focus on them. When I’m on the court… I try not to get distracted by you guys.’

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn wished outgoing Kyrie Irving the best after his trade to the Mavs.

Irving took the court with his teammates for the first time Tuesday as the Mavericks practiced before their game against the Clippers on Wednesday.

Irving said he felt “very disrespected at times” during his time in Brooklyn, adding that people didn’t talk about his “work ethic” as much.

His former head coach, Jacque Vaughn, wished Irving the best with his new team and hopes he continues to develop and grow as a person.

“I’ve also seen him grow as an individual and be a better teammate than when I first met him,” said Vaughn, who worked with Irving for more than three seasons.

‘So for me, I’m always going to look at the good in people and I want the good in people. And I want it to be successful. He is no longer with us, but I appreciate his time.