Racial hatred is a sensitive issue even in the arena of sports. Because of being the socially influential figures, sportsmen are expected to act responsibly while they make any remarks in public. NBA player Kyrie Irving has recently received a lot of backlashes and criticism after promoting an anti-Semitic movie via social media post. The final verdict of this incident has turned out to be drastic for the 30-year-old athlete.
The Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five games without pay Thursday, dismayed by his repeated failure to “unequivocally say he has no anti-Semitic beliefs.”
“We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no anti-Semitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity — but failed — to clarify,” the Nets said in a statement. The Nets said Irving’s suspension would last “until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct.”
Although, Irving didn’t appear on the media session to give a formal statement, he addressed the issue in an Instagram post and sought apology to those who were hurt by his act.
Kyrie Irving statement: “To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize.” pic.twitter.com/3dYRHXnIEm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 4, 2022
This statement, however, did not seem to satisfy neither the fans nor the franchise. After he missed so much of last season, the team refused to offer him a contract extension this summer. Irving may be in his last season with the team, if you think of it.
