Kyrie Irving and the Nets announced on Wednesday that they will donate $1 million to organizations that aim to “eradicate hate and intolerance” after the Nets star shared a link to an antisemitic documentary last week.
Irving and the Nets will donate $500,000 each after he received backlash for promoting “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake up Black America”.
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“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” Irving said in a joint statement with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
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 did not speak with the media in the two games that followed since his fiery back-and-forth at his press conference after their game against the Pacers. While he initially did not apologize for sharing the link, Irving says he wants to take “responsibility” for his actions.
“I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility,” Irving added.
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“I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. 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. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”
On Oct. 28, Nets owner Joe Tsai released a statement saying that he was “disappointed” in Irving’s apparent support for a “book full of antisemitic disinformation,” while the NBA issued a statement on Saturday saying that “hate speech of any kind is unacceptable and runs counter to the NBA’s values of equality, inclusion and respect.”
The NBA issued the following statement: pic.twitter.com/vuTVhEegeh
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 29, 2022
Irving, the Nets, and New York Liberty will host “ongoing community conversations” at Barclays Center in Brooklyn with the ADL and other civil rights organizations and local community organizations to “combat all forms of antisemitism and bigotry.”
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“At a time when antisemitism 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.
“With this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open dialogue and increase understanding.”
