After being chastised for sharing a link to a film with anti-Semitic tropes, the Brooklyn Nets as well as Kyrie Irving have committed to donating $1 million (£880,000) to fight “hate and intolerance.”
According to a joint statement
Irving, 30, stated that he “meant no harm” but did not apologize for the social media post.
Several Nets fans decided to wear ‘Fight Anti-Semitism’ T-shirts to Monday’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
Irving stated that not every aspect of the film mirrored his “morals and principles.”
“I reject all forms of resentment and oppression and stand firm with communities that are stigmatised and affected every day,” the seven-time NBA All-Star appended.
“I am cognizant of my post’s negative effect on the Jewish community, and I take accountability.”
“I don’t think all said in the documentary was correct or reflects my morals and principles.”
“I am a human being who seeks to learn from individuals from different walks of life, and I strive to accomplish this with an open mind and an eagerness to listen. So, my family and I did not mean harm to any one group, race, or religion of people, and only wanted to be a shining example of truth and light.”
To grow community education, the club as well as guard Irving will collaborate with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a non-profit organization that combats all forms of anti-Semitism and bias.
Each will contribute $500,000 (£440,000) to causes and organizations “working to eradicate hatred and intolerance.”
Last week, Nets owner Joe Tsai expressed “disappointment” that Irving brought attention to a film he called “full of anti-Semitic disinfo,” while the NBA released a statement denouncing all forms of hate speech.
Irving responded by stating he accepts “all religions” and that “the ‘anti-Semitic’ tag was being unfairly imposed” on him.
The statement said, “The events of the last week have prompted many emotions inside the Nets organization, our Brooklyn community, as well as the nation.”
“The public debate that preceded has raised consciousness about the difficulties we face as a society in countering hate and speech.”
“We are prepared to take on this action challenge, and we acknowledge that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a profound effect.”
Inside the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points, 12 rebounds, and five interceptions as the Milwaukee Bucks tied a franchise record for their best start by defeating the Detroit Pistons, 116-91, for the second time in three nights.
Donovan Mitchell managed to score nine straight points during the final 3 minutes of regulation time to steer the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-113 overtime win over the Boston Celtics.
Darius Garland of the Cavaliers came back from a five-game absence due to an eye injury to lead the squad with 29 points and 12 assists.
