Apologize and return to play: the NBA star who shared an anti-Semitic film returned to the courts – “I hurt people, I should have behaved differently”
“When I look back and reflect I want to express my deepest regrets to anyone who felt threatened or offended by what I posted. That was not my intention at all”
Kyrie Irving apologized Sunday morning to anyone who felt threatened or offended when he posted a link to a documentary with anti-Semitic material after returning from his suspension from the Brooklyn Nets.
“I’m just here to focus on the game,” Irving said after scoring 14 points to help the Nets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 127-115.
Irving has missed eight games since being suspended by the team on Nov. 3, hours after he refused to say he had no anti-Semitic beliefs when he met with reporters at the Nets’ practice facility. Irving has since admitted he should have handled that interview differently. For hate speech or anti-Semitism or anything that goes against the human race,” Irving said.
“I feel that we should all have the opportunity to speak up for ourselves when things are put upon us and I feel that it was necessary for me to stand up and take responsibility for my actions, because there was a way that I should have handled it, and as I look back and reflect I want to express my deepest regrets to anyone who felt threatened or Felt hurt by what I posted. That was not my intention at all.”
Fans who arrived at the Barclays Center for the game found the concourse filled with dozens of members of the group Israel United for Christ, a group of black men who sing and distribute paraphernalia containing anti-Semitic propaganda. The organization’s website states that their mission is to “wake up the 12 tribes of Israel.” When asked about that group, Irving said he hadn’t seen them, adding that was “a conversation for another day.”
Irving said he was initially looking for information about his heritage when he posted a link to “Negro Transitions: Awakening Black America” on his Twitter page. When first asked about it, he was defiant about his right to publish material that interests him – despite the film’s Afrocentric anti-Semitism. He then refused to apologize or clarify his beliefs during another interview a few days later, leading to his suspension.
“I defended myself rightly when it was assumed that I was anti-Semitic, or that I intended to publish a documentary and stand behind all opinions in the documentary,” Irving said, adding, “How can you call someone anti-Semitic if you don’t know them?”
The star’s tone was more reflective as he spoke for about 12 minutes on Sunday morning, thanking his family and friends for their support.
“I did not intend to hurt any person, any group of people and yes, this is a big moment for me because I am able to learn throughout this process that the power of my voice is very strong, the influence that I have within me. And my community is very strong, and I want to be responsible for that,” Irving said.
“To do that, you have to admit when you’re wrong and when you hurt people and it affects them.”
Nike suspended its relationship with Irving and that seemed to further strain relations between Irving and the Nets, who refused to extend his contract last summer.
“Keiri has taken ownership of this journey and has had conversations with several members of the Jewish community,” the group’s staff said in a statement.
“We are happy that he is continuing the process in a significant way.”
? Did the article interest you?