Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Denies Requesting Removal of Courtside Sign
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has denied requesting the removal of a courtside sign during a game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City this week, despite an interaction sparked between the player and a prominent Jazz fan.
The sign, held by Avremi Zippel, a rabbi and longtime Jazz season ticket holder, read “I’m a Jew and I’m proud.” The message was a reference to the backlash Irving faced after posting a link to an antisemitic film on his social media, which led to an eight-game suspension and the cancellation of his Nike sponsorship.
After an exchange with Irving during the first quarter, Zippel was asked by Jazz officials to switch seats a few rows back or stop displaying the sign. According to Irving and two other sources, the Jazz decided to ask Zippel to stop displaying the sign after Mavericks security raised the issue with Jazz security.
Irving reportedly approached Zippel during the first quarter and acknowledged the sign, saying, “Nice, I’m Jewish too.” He then asked Zippel not to bring a sign like that to a game.
Irving has stated that he did not request the removal of the signs, telling The Athletic, “No disrespect going his way. That’s not my MO.”
In a statement, the Jazz explained that the signs were removed because they interfered with the play of the game, not because of the content of the signs.
The incident has sparked discussion about the policies regarding signs in sports arenas, with the NBA stating that their code of conduct sets guidelines for the size of signs but does not mention the content of signs.
Zippel has expressed disappointment with the confusion from the organization regarding the sign policy, stating that it has been the most frustrating part beyond the interaction with Irving.
The incident has drawn attention to the intersection of sports, religion, and free expression in arenas, and has prompted further discussion about the policies in place for fan signage at sporting events.