Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving has failed to apologise for his anti-semitic posts on social media as his press conference was cut short as the 30-year-old spoke for the first time after being roundly criticised for his actions.
Irving stated that he takes 'responsibility' for his actions in sharing the link to the film titled 'Hebrews And Negroes', depicted from a book with the same name which also contains content which many be anti-semitic against the Jewish faith.
But whilst taking responsibility for the post, he showed little remorse in the press conference on Thursday, stating "I am not the one who made the documentary."
Speaking to reporters for the first time since defending his decision to post the film, Irving said: "Like I said in the first time you guys asked me when I was sitting on that stage, I don't believe everything that everybody posts, it's a documentary. So I take my responsibility."
When asked if he wanted to use the words 'I apologise', Irving simply responded: "I didn't mean to cause any harm. I am not the one who made the documentary."
When asked which parts of the films does not depict his beliefs, he answered: "I think, some of the criticism of the Jewish faith and Jewish community, for sure. There are some points made in there that are unfortunate."
He was then asked if he has any anti-semitic beliefs, Irving said: "Again, I am going to repeat, I do not know how the label becomes justified because you guys ask me the same questions over and over again. But this is not going to turn into a spin around cycle of questions upon questions.
"I have told you how I felt. I respect all walks of life, embrace all walks of life, that's where I sit. I cannot be anti-semitic if I know where I come from."
NBA reporter Nick Friedell, who was first to question Irving for his posts last week, stated that the press conference was cut short. He tweeted: "Kyrie just spoke for over six minutes. He said he took responsibility for his posts — but there was no formal apology like many around the league were hoping to hear. The press conference was cut short by a Nets PR staffer."
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has recently condemned Irving 's decision to share the post and his failure to apologise, adding that he will be speaking to the Nets star this week on his actions.
Those comments came after Shaquille O'Neal named Irving an 'idiot', stating that he 'didn't care about his actions', whilst fellow Hall of Famer and analyst Charles Barkley called for the league to suspend Irving.
