Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets finally addressed the star guard’s antisemitism controversy Wednesday, but critics say their effort did not go far enough.
Irving, the Nets, and the Anti-Defamation League issued a joint statement saying Irving and the team will each donate $500,000 “toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.”
The Nets, Kyrie Irving and the Anti-Defamation League have put out a joint statement saying, in part, that Kyrie Irving and the Nets will each donate $500,000 “toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.” pic.twitter.com/AZJEyXQpH1
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) November 2, 2022
Irving drew harsh criticism last week after sharing — and then refusing to delete — a social media share of a 2018 film that’s widely considered to be antisemitic. The NBA issued a statement on the matter Saturday that was criticized for not mentioning Irving by name.
“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” Irving said in Wednesday’s statement. “I am aware of the negative impact of my post toward the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals or principles.”
NBA reporters and fans say the statement lacked any actual apology from Irving.
“This is not an apology,” tweeted Salt Lake Tribune NBA beat writer Josh Newman. “Would be good if he fielded questions instead of this well-manicured nothing burger.”
“This reads like a negotiated script, not an apology or taking responsibility,” tweeted a fan.
This is not an apology.
Would be good if he fielded questions instead of this well-manicured nothing burger. https://t.co/QGjhrKqNjD
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) November 2, 2022
This is, notably, not an apology by Kyrie Irving. https://t.co/NgavbRlKxn
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) November 2, 2022
The Nets are a bunch of cowards. Not even an apology from Kyrie Irving. Pathetic.
— Andrew C (@Courndogg) November 2, 2022
https://twitter.com/sloannyc/status/1587951505595723776
Better than the presser, and good that he “takes responsibility”, but still comes across as “if you were offended by my amplification of anti-Semitic tropes…”. Should acknowledge he needs to be more careful what he lends his voice to, and be a better listener.
— Mike D (@mdliny) November 2, 2022
— Stifle-Tower27 (@Stifle_Tower27) November 2, 2022
Kyrie should give last years earnings to the families of Holocaust survivors. Because yes, it happened. If he wants to eradicate hate, just remove himself from the public eye.
— Tyler Foye (@TylerFoye12) November 2, 2022
