The Brooklyn Nets say they are ‘disappointed’ after star Kyrie Irving posted a link to an anti-semitic film.
The seven-time NBA All-Star took to social media to tweet out an Amazon link to a three hour movie titled ‘Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America’. Rolling Stone reported the 2018 film is ‘stuffed with anti-semitic tropes’, and the Brooklyn Nets management have acted fast following his post.
Nets owner Joe Tsai issued a statement to publicly condemn Irving, which read: “I’m disappointed that Kyrie appears to support a film based on a book full of anti-Semitic disinformation. I want to sit down and make sure he understands this is hurtful to all of us, and as a man of faith, it is wrong to promote hate based on race, ethnicity or religion.
“This is bigger than basketball.”
Tsai’s statement comes after the Nets released their own message following Irving’s post, which was shared over 1,000 times thanks to the 30-year-old’s 4.5 million followers.
On Saturday, Irving took to Twitter to refute any promotion of antisemitism. He wrote: “I am an OMNIST and I meant no disrespect to anyone's religious beliefs. The 'Anti-Semitic' label that is being pushed on me is not justified and does not reflect the reality or truth I live in everyday.
“I embrace and want to learn from all walks of life and religions..”
Mirror Sport has reached out to Irving and his representatives for comment.
The Nets distanced themselves from Irving’s post on Friday, as they said: “The Brooklyn Nets strongly condemn and have no tolerance for the promotion of any form of hate speech.
“We believe that in these situations, our first action must be open, honest dialogue. We thank those, including the ADL (Anti-Defamation League), who have been supportive during this time.”
Irving has impressed despite the Nets’ slow start to the season, averaging 29.6 points while also putting in work defensively. However, Brooklyn have just one win through the opening five games when they secured a 109-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors in their second clash.
