Nike has suspended its relationship with Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, the company said in a statement Friday. Irving suspended for at least 5 games For promoting a film with anti-Semitic content and not apologizing for a week afterwards. Nike also said that Irving’s signature Kyrie 8, the latest version of his sneaker, will not be released.
“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn all forms of anti-Semitism,” the company said. said in that statement“Therefore, we have made the decision to end our relationship with Kyrie Irving with immediate effect and not to launch the Kyrie 8. We are disappointed and deeply saddened by this situation and its impact on everyone.” increase.”
Irving has been wearing an unreleased version of the Kyrie 8 all season and hinted on Twitter that it will be released to the public on November 11th.
On October 27, Irving shared a link on Twitter to a film titled “From Hebrews to Negroes: Waking up Black America,” which contains anti-Semitic content. In subsequent conversations with the media, Irving was unable to issue a clear apology and argued with reporters when pressed about the matter. Nets owner Joe Tsai and NBA commissioner Adam Despite accusations from Silver, Irving will stand his ground until the Nets announce his suspension, with Irving completing “a series of objective corrective actions to address the harmful effects of his conduct.” said I must. Currently unfit to belong to the Brooklyn Nets. ”
Hours after the suspension was announced, Irving issued an apology on Instagram, writing, “To all Jewish families and communities who have been hurt and affected by my posts, I am deeply sorry for the pain you have caused. I apologize.” Also by ESPN on Friday, Tsai Attempted to contact Irving repeatedly After his initial Twitter post, his text messages were not returned.
Nets general manager Sean Marks said Friday morning that Irving’s apology was “a step” toward being able to return to the team, but that it has not yet been completed, including meetings with Jewish leaders. There are more things that have not been done. According to ESPN’s Nick Friedel.
For now, Irving’s status with the Nets remains unknown, but if a five-game suspension is pending, Irving could return to action on Nov. 13 when the Nets face the Lakers in Los Angeles. .
