Kyrie Irving has been embroiled in a nationwide controversy since the Nets star promoted a movie and book, Hebrews to Negroes, stuffed with antisemitic tropes. He compounded the issue by doubling down in a back-and-forth with a reporter.
Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets use their cash to buy forgiveness
Kyrie Irving and the Nets each donate 500k as they try to change public opinion
Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
Today it was announced that Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will each donate $500,000 “toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.” The statement was made along with the Anti-Defamation League.
The Anti-Defamation League is a non-profit organization devoted to fighting antisemitism and all types of hate. Kyrie Irving is also quoted in today’s statement.
“I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility,” Irving said in the statement. “I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles.”
Irving added that he “meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”
It remains to be seen if the cash penance is enough to turn the tide of public opinion. Irving continued defense of his initial actions will be hard for a lot of people to forgive any time soon. You would hope this is the last controversy when it comes to Irving but we are talking about Kyrie Irving who seems to be known more these days for what he does off the court than on.
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