Kyrie Irving has found himself at the center of another off-court controversy, and after Nets governor Joe Tsai called out his star player for sharing a link to an antisemitic film, the NBA issued a vague statement seemingly responding to the issue.
Tsai wrote that it is “wrong to promote hate based on race, ethnicity or religion,” but Irving defended himself on Saturday, tweeting that he “meant no disrespect.” The tweet containing the link to the film is still live on Irving’s account as of Saturday night.
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.
Hélà🤞🏾♾
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) October 29, 2022
The NBA did not name Irving in its statement, but did decry harmful antisemitic ideas, along with “hate speech of any kind.” The league writes that will work with members of the community to “ensure that everyone understands the impact of their words and actions.”
The NBA issued the following statement: pic.twitter.com/vuTVhEegeh
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 29, 2022
Prior to the game, Nets coach Steve Nash said that the organization has talked to Irving about the post, but did not give any specifics about that conversation.
Steve Nash says the Nets' organization has spoken to Kyrie Irving about his social media post: pic.twitter.com/544N9Z08fr
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) October 29, 2022
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