Kyrie Irving said he 'takes responsibility' for the negative impact on the Jewish community that was caused by his appearing to support an anti-Semitic work; NBA commissioner Adam Silver says he is "disappointed" at Irving's failure to offer an "unqualified apology"
Thursday 3 November 2022 22:41, UK
NBA commissioner Adam Silver says he is "disappointed" at Kyrie Irving's failure to offer an "unqualified apology" after the Brooklyn Nets guard shared a link about a film featuring anti-Semitic tropes.
Irving said in a statement released on Wednesday that he opposes all forms of hate, and he and the Nets would each donate $500,000 towards groups that work to eradicate it.
While not explicitly apologising, Irving took responsibility for the negative impact on the Jewish community that was caused by his appearing to support an anti-Semitic work, as the Nets and their star guard worked to sooth the anger that had been directed at them since Irving's Twitter post and refusal to say sorry.
"I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalised and impacted every day," Irving said in a joint statement with the Nets and Anti-Defamation League.
"I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility."
Irving had drawn criticism around the NBA - including from Nets owner Joe Tsai - for posting a link to the film.
"I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles," Irving said. "I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen."
Irving hadn't spoken since Saturday, when he defiantly defended his right to post about material he believes. He didn't talk to reporters after either of the Nets' home games since - one of them featuring fans wearing "Fight Anti-Semitism" shirts as they sat courtside.
NBA commissioner Silver, who is Jewish, had not publicly addressed Irving's actions until releasing a statement of his own on Thursday.
"Kyrie Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to a film containing deeply offensive anti-Semitic material," Silver said.
"While we appreciate the fact that he agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicise.
"I will be meeting with Kyrie in person in the next week to discuss this situation."
Irving and the Nets will work with the ADL to develop inclusive educational programming to combat all forms of bigotry and anti-Semitism.
"There is no room for anti-Semitism, racism, false narratives or misguided attempts to create animosity and hate," said Sam Zussman, the CEO of BSE Global, parent company of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center. "Now, more than ever, there is a pressing need to ensure education in these areas. We are putting our prior statements into practice because actions speak louder than words."
General manager Sean Marks said Tuesday that the Nets had been in discussions with the ADL on the proper way to respond to the fallout involving Irving, who was not punished by the team or the NBA.
"At a time when anti-Semitism has reached historic levels, we know the best way to fight the oldest hatred is to both confront it head-on and also to change hearts and minds," ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said.
The Nets added that they and the WNBA's New York Liberty would host a series of community conversations at Barclays Center in partnership with ADL and other national civil rights organisations and local community associations.
