Update: Kyrie Irving – Nike Suspends Relationship w/ Nets’ Star Amid Antisemitism Fallout, Will No Longer Launch ‘Kyrie 8’ Sneaker

Kyrie Irving

Update: Kyrie Irving – Nike Suspends Relationship w/ Nets’ Star Amid Antisemitism Fallout, Will No Longer Launch ‘Kyrie 8’ Sneaker

Update: (Nov. 7, 2022): It seems like Kyrie will be without his Nike check for a little while.

According to reports, Nike has made the decision to suspend its relationship with the Brooklyn Nets star in the wake of the controversy surrounding his support of a movie containing antisemitic tropes. In addition, Nike has tabled the launch of Kyrie’s new shoe, the Kyrie 8. The shoe, which was slated for a November 8 release, would have reportedly marked the star athlete’s 8th with the company.

Over the weekend the famed sports company announced,

“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism.”

The statement continued,

“To that end, we’ve made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8. We are deeply saddened a disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone.”

Original Story: (Nov. 3, 2022): Kyrie Irving admits that he was wrong for promoting a movie containing antisemitic ideas. To prove that he is serious, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets have vowed to donate $500K each to fight against hate speech.

Irving, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Anti-Defamation League released a joint statement announcing the donations Wednesday (Nov. 2) night. Irving said:

“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day. I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles.”

He continued,

“I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.” 

Kyrie Irving

As previously reported, the 30-year-old hooper came under fire for sharing a link to the film “Hebrews To Negros: Wake Up Black America” with his massive Twitter following. The movie is accused of spewing several “Jewish stereotypes and antisemitic tropes.” Despite receiving backlash, the championship basketball player initially defended his decision to share the post. Explaining that he respects all people and isn’t “here to be divisive,” Irving stated:

“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.”

During a recent press conference, the Nets star added that he refuses to stand down on anything he believes in.

Now, it appears Kyrie Irving has had a change of heart.

In the joint statement, the Nets said Irving and the team will work with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in

“an effort to develop educational programming that is inclusive and will comprehensively combat all forms of antisemitism and bigotry.”

The Nets also said they will continue to support and participate in Shine A Light, which they described as

“an ongoing initiative dedicated to spotlighting modern day anti semitism.”

Kyrie Irving

While Kyrie Irving had remorse for his actions, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wasn’t pleased with Irving’s latest statement and felt the athlete did not release an official apology. Silver had this to say: