Adam Silver: ‘There is no doubt that Irving is not an anti-Semite’

Adam Silverthe NBA commissioner assured this Thursday that he is sure Kyrie Irving is not anti-Semitic Despite the notable controversy the Brooklyn Nets point guard has sparked with his publications and statements in recent weeks about social networks.

“Personally and based on what you have told me directly, Definitely not anti-Semitic“Silver said in an interview with the New York Times.

However, NBA officials who met with the player this week said Irving will need to go through a “process” to resolve the issue before returning to the court. “Whether I am anti-Semitic or not has nothing to do with the harm caused by posting hateful content.”stressed Silver, who is Jewish.

He also pointed out that “the most important thing right now” is that Irving’s “repentance” is “truly real and authentic.”

After promoting an anti-Semitic film on Twitter and initially refusing to explicitly apologize, Irving was suspended from employment by the Nets and paid for at least five games.

After learning of the Nets’ sanctions, Irving relentlessly dodged the controversy for several days, taking verbal pirouettes and then apologizing for his message, but he remains off his team in the NBA.

“To all Jewish families and communities who have been hurt and affected by my post, I deeply apologize for causing you pain,” he apologized.

Additionally, Nike last week announced it was ending an endorsement relationship with Irving that began in 2011, saying his company “has no room for hate speech.”

Irving, who has sparked other controversies in the past, including refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, posted on his Twitter account, which has 4.5 million followers, the movie Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America (2018). I posted an Amazon link to. ).

The film is based on the 2015 book of the same name, and according to Rolling Stone, many famous Jews “admitted” to praying to “Satan or Lucifer.” Contains anti-Semitic claims. .

Amazon’s description claims the tapes will “discover the identities of Israeli children.”

On Thursday, LeBron James said Irving had already apologized and “should be able to play” again with the Nets.

“I’ve already told you that I’m not in favor of spreading offensive messages. And I’ll continue this way, but Kylie apologizes and I think he should be able to play. Here it is.” That’s what I think. Twitter.

This new controversy surrounding Irving has also seen Kanye West come under harsh criticism for his anti-Semitic statements and racist provocations, prompting brands like Adidas and Balenciaga to drop their deals with the rapper. It happened right after.