The Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving will each donate $500,000 “to causes and organizations working to eradicate hatred and intolerance in our communities,” they announced Wednesday in a joint statement with the Anti-Defamation League.
“The Nets and Kyrie Irving will work with ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), a non-profit organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred that undermine the justice and fair treatment of every individual,” the statement said the joint statement. “This is an attempt to develop educational programs that are inclusive and comprehensively combat all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry.”
2 relatives
The statement came after a social media post by Irving last week promoting a film with anti-Semitic tropes. Irving’s post has since been condemned by Nets owner Joe Tsai, and the NBA responded with a statement condemning hate speech.
As part of Wednesday’s joint statement, Irving said he “rejects all forms of hate and oppression and stands strong with communities that are marginalized and impaired every day.”
“I recognize the negative impact of my post on the Jewish community and accept responsibility,” Irving said in the joint statement. “I do not believe that everything said in the documentary is true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a learner 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 don’t want to harm any group, race or religion of people and just want to be a beacon of truth and light.
Irving had not spoken since Saturday, when he defended his post and said he didn’t think he did anything wrong in promoting the film. Since then, he hasn’t spoken to reporters after any of the Nets’ games.
“There is no place for anti-Semitism, racism, false narratives or misguided attempts to incite hostility and hatred,” said Sam Zussman, CEO of BSE Global, parent company of the Nets and Barclays Center. “Now more than ever there is an urgent need to ensure education in these areas. We are putting our previous statements into practice, because actions speak louder than words.”