NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Doesn’t Believe Kyrie Irving Is Antisemitic + LeBron James Says ‘He’s Not The Person That’s Being Portrayed Of Him’

Kyrie Irving, Lebron James, Adam Silver

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Doesn’t Believe Kyrie Irving Is Antisemitic + LeBron James Says ‘He’s Not The Person That’s Being Portrayed Of Him’

It looks like some people in high places are speaking out in Kyrie Irving’s defense.

As you may already know by now, Kyrie Irving, 30, has recently been in the hot seat for seemingly promoting a film that many have deemed to be antisemitic. In an attempt to rectify the problem, The Brooklyn Nets’ star has issued an apology in addition to vowing to donate $500,000 to combat hate speech and undergo sensitivity and antisemitic training.

He’s also faced many repercussions; including a 5 game suspension without pay, and having his working relationship with Nike placed on an indefinite pause.

Initially, following the Point guard’s first attempt at an apology, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared he was “disappointed” with Kyrie’s original statement. In part, he said,

“I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicize. I will be meeting with Kyrie in person in the next week to discuss this situation.”

Well, it looks like the two men have spoken in person and are finally on the same page. In an updated statement, Adam Silver expressed that, despite recent reports, he doesn’t believe Kyrie is antisemitic. He said,

“I personally, based on what he said directly to me, have no doubt that he’s not antisemitic, but I think there’s a process that he’s going to now need to go through. I think he understands that and incidentally, it’s now with the Nets who are working with specifics.”

“He’s someone I’ve known for a decade and I’ve never heard an antisemitic word from him or, frankly, hate directed at any group.”

He added,

“And in retrospect, we may have been able to get there faster. I accept that criticism. But I felt it was important to understand the context in which it was posted to understand what discipline was appropriate, not in any way to excuse it but to understand what discipline was appropriate.”

Kyrie Irving

Adam Silver isn’t the only person speaking out on Kyrie’s behalf. Fellow NBA player LeBron James, 37, recently took to Twitter and claimed that the punishments Kyrie has received are a little too harsh. He tweeted,

“I told you guys that I don’t believe in sharing hurtful information. And I’ll continue to be that way but Kyrie apologized and he should be able to play. That’s what I think. It’s that simple. Help him learn- but he should be playing. What he’s asked to do to get back on the floor I think is excessive IMO. He’s not the person that’s being portrayed of him.”

What are your thoughts on this entire situation? Do you think Kyrie Irving’s suspension should be lifted? Tell us in the comments below! 

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