Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving responded to staff proprietor Joe Tsai who condemned the seven-time All Star after he promoted an antisemitic movie and e book.
On Thursday, Irving posted a hyperlink for the movie “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” on social media.
Tsai stated that the movie is predicated on a e book “stuffed with antisemitic disinformation.”
“I need to sit down and ensure he understands that is hurtful to all of us, and as a person of religion, it’s incorrect to advertise hate primarily based on race, ethnicity or faith,” Tsai wrote. “That is larger than basketball.”
“The Brooklyn Nets strongly condemn and don’t have any tolerance for the promotion of any type of hate speech,” the staff stated in a press release. “We imagine that in these conditions, our first motion should be open, trustworthy dialogue. We thank these, together with the ADL, who’ve been supportive throughout this time.”
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Irving stated in his personal message on social media posted on Saturday that he is not anti-semitic.”
“I’m an OMNIST and I meant no disrespect to anybody’s non secular beliefs. The “Anti-Semitic” label that’s being pushed on me will not be justified and doesn’t replicate the fact or reality I reside in on a regular basis,” Irving stated. “I embrace and need to be taught from all walks of life and religions.”
Later Saturday, the NBA posted a press release saying partly, “hate speech of any form is unacceptable and runs counter to the NBA’s values of equality, inclusion and respect.” The assertion didn’t point out Irving by title.
Irving is averaging 29.6 factors, 5.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists this season for Brooklyn, who’ve gotten off to a 1-4 begin.
Contributing: The Related Press
