NBA Commissioner Adam Silver doesn’t seem pleased with the modus operandi followed by Kyrie Irving since he promoted an anti-Semitic movie on his social media last week. Despite having been singled out for his act, the Brooklyn Nets star has not retracted it, choosing to minimize the seriousness of what was committed. Thus, Silver has shared his discomfort with the player, with whom he will meet next week.
“Kyrie Irving made an unwise decision to share a link to a film that contains deeply offensive anti-Semitic material,” the commissioner stated. “While we appreciate the fact that he has agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unconditional apology or, more specifically, denounced the vile and harmful content of the film you decided to advertise. I will be meeting with Kyrie in person next week to discuss this situation.”
After sharing said link about the film last Thursday, the point guard faced increasing scrutiny in the days that followed, including having a verbal exchange with several journalists on Saturday. After that, Irving deleted the post and the Nets excluded him from the press conferences held on Monday and Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League released a joint statement announcing the $500,000 donation each to “causes and organizations working to eradicate hate and bigotry from our communities.” In said publication, Irving affirmed that he is opposed to “all forms of hatred and oppression”, and confirmed his support for marginalized communities, in addition to assuming responsibility for the impact that his publication had on the Jewish community. .
However, as Silver’s announcement on Thursday points out, the player has not yet apologized for promoting the film or for the damage caused to said community. At this time, there has been no indication that the Nets or the NBA intend to fine or suspend Irving for his actions. An Irving who, let’s remember, is vice president of the Players Association. Who gave it to Meyers Leonard.
(Cover photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
