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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he is “disappointed” that Kyrie Irving, star Kyrie Irving, has not issued an unreserved apology for publishing a film containing anti-Semitic material and revealed that he will meet with the security guard about the matter.
Irving sparked controversy last week by sharing a link to a 2018 film titled “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” which is based on a book described as “toxicly anti-Semitic.”
Since posting the Amazon link to the film on Twitter, the 30-year-old has faced backlash and has been convicted by NBA and Nets owner Joe Tsai.
Shortly after Silver released his statement, Irving spoke to the media on Thursday and took responsibility for his messages, but again stopped making a formal apology.
When asked if he apologized, Irving said, “I’m not the one who made the documentary.” After six minutes of speaking, the press conference was cut short by a Nets PR employee.
On Wednesday, he pledged to donate $500k to causes that “eradicate intolerance,” which have rivaled the Nets, but he also did not offer an unreserved apology for his actions.
Silver released a statement on Thursday criticizing Irving’s lack of apology for his “reckless decision” and revealed he plans to meet with the embattled star to discuss the situation.
The commissioner acknowledged Irving’s agreement to partner with the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League, but expressed disappointment that the player had not done more to publicly denounce the film’s “despicable” content.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (left) said he is ‘disappointed’ that Kyrie Irving (right) has not apologized to Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving for sharing ‘despicable and harmful anti-Semitic material’ online
The Brooklyn Nets star caught the eye with the release of the 2018 film, which is based on a book of the same name that has been described as “toxicly anti-Semitic.”
The full statement read: ‘Kyrie Irving has made a reckless decision to post a link to a film containing highly offensive anti-Semitic material.
“While we appreciate his agreement to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to fight anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unreserved apology and more specifically the despicable and harmful exposed content. contained in the film he chose to publish.
“I will meet Kyrie in person next week to discuss this situation.”
During his brief appearance before the media Thursday, Irving claimed he could not be anti-Semitic.
When asked if he held any anti-Semitic beliefs, he replied, “Again, I’m going to reiterate that I don’t know how the label is justified because you guys ask me the same questions over and over. But this will not turn into a spinning cycle, question upon question.
‘I told you how I felt. I respect all walks of life and embrace all walks of life. There I am.’
When further pressed to provide a clear answer to the question, Irving claimed that he “cannot be anti-Semitic if he knows where he comes from.”
Irving drew attention last week when he posted the link to the film, which is based on a 2015 book of the same name, which Rolling Stone described as “toxicly anti-Semitic.” In particular, it cites Hitler to convince the public of the existence of a Jewish plan for world domination.
On Wednesday evening, the Nets, along with Irving, released a joint statement announcing the donations to “promote education in the community” in the wake of the uproar over the player’s tweet.
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.
Irving was unavailable to reporters after Monday’s game, but has since released a statement denying anti-Semitism. And though he stopped offering an apology, Irving donated $500,000 “to charities and organizations working to eradicate hate and bigotry in our communities.” That donation has been matched by the Nets
Fans sat on the side of Monday’s Nets game wearing T-shirts that read ‘Fight Anti-Semitism’
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.”
However, Irving was more likely to double down on his tweet when he argued with the media during a press conference following Net’s game against the Indiana Pacers last Saturday night.
During a spirited conversation with a reporter, he said, “I’m not going to resign myself to something I believe in. I will only get stronger because I am not alone. I have a whole army around me.’
The Nets star eventually deleted the tweet on Sunday after outrage and backlash.
A group of fans sat on the side of the Nets-Pacers game in Brooklyn on Monday, wearing T-shirts that read “Fight antisemitism” and allegedly harassed Irving.
Meanwhile, both the NBA and Tsai had previously released statements condemning Irving’s tweet, with the league insisting hate speech is “unacceptable” and the owner of Nets claiming it was “bigger than basketball.”
The NBA has issued a statement saying that hate speech of any kind is unacceptable
Nets owner Joe Tsai condemned Irving’s actions on Friday and wants to speak to him
As a result of his actions, Irving’s commercial value has now been described as “radioactive.”
“I’ve been talking to a lot of people in the league this weekend and the feeling I’m getting now is that he’s radioactive,” Lowe told ESPN’s Nick Friedell on a statement. recent podcast episode. “Even if you drop the price to nothing, the baggage is just too much.”
The tumultuous week for the Nets was only compounded by the resignation of head coach Steve Nash on Tuesday amid a 2-5 start. Assistant Jacque Vaughn served as interim head coach in Tuesday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, but multiple reports say Nets general manager Sean Marks is interested in hiring shocked and suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, who is got a seasonal ban. about allegations of an inappropriate affair with a team member.
The Nets have parted ways with coach Steve Nash amid a brutal 2-5 start, and suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka has emerged as the favorite to replace the two-time MVP
According to ESPN, the Celtics wouldn’t stop the Nets from hiring Udoka.
The uproar has prompted many in the media to trade or release Irving. Former Nets assistant general manager Bobby Marks (no relation to Sean) told ESPN that Irving should be fired over the controversy.
“How many chances is this organization going to give Kyrie Irving?” asked Bobby Marks rhetorically. ‘Enough is enough. I am not speaking from a trading standpoint.
“I understand Ime Udoka is the last person who could rule this group, but if you’re the front office in Brooklyn, send him home. You don’t need Kyrie Irving.”