And so it begins. A day after Brooklyn Nets Point Guard Kyrie Irving was suspended for at least five games without pay, he is now having his Nike partnership, and “Kyrie 8” shoe release suspended after his anti-semitic film tweet.
Nike Suspends Kyrie Irving Partnership & Cancels ‘Kyrie 8’ Shoe Release After Anti-Semitic Film Tweet
The consequences are beginning to pile up on Irving after he tweeted a link to a film, deemed as anti-Semitic and called ‘Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America.’
Despite Irving sending apology after apology, Irving was still suspended by the NBA for 5 games without pay. Irving was expecting to lose roughly $2.2 million in salary from his baller gig, but now he’ll be facing another big loss.
RELATED: Charles Barkley Says Kyrie Irving ‘Should Have Been Suspended’ For Promoting Anti-Semitic Film
Nike has now suspended their partnership with Irving, thus canceling the release of his shoe, the “Kyrie 8.” Last season, the baller made $11 million from his deal, and his shoe has been one of the top 5 best selling signature shoes at the company.
A statement from the global brand reads, “At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism. 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 and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone.
As mentioned, on Thursday evening (November 3), Irving issued an apology for posting a link to a film that was deemed “anti-semitic.”
It is reported that the film includes “a litany of antisemitic conspiracy theories and falsehoods, including a fabricated quote from Adolf Hitler.”
RELATED: Kyrie Irving Slams Reporter Asking About Tweet Promoting ‘Anti-Semitic’ Documentary
Prior to that, Irving first addressed the tweet on Saturday (October 29). He said he “meant no disrespect to anyone’s religious beliefs.”
He wholly tweeted: ““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. Hélà🤞🏾♾””
Then Irving was confronted by a reporter at a post-game press conference. This is where he went viral for his heated back and forth with ESPN reporter Nick Friedell.
Irving ultimately claimed, “All I do is post things for my people and my community and those that it’s actually going to impact. Anyone else that has criticism, it obviously wasn’t mean for them.”
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