He defended his decision to do so on Saturday and then deleted the tweet on Sunday after a huge outcry that included criticism from Nets owner Joe Tsai and the Anti-Defamation League, along with a statement from the NBA denouncing any form of hate speech. Irving said Saturday that he embraced all religions and defiantly defended his right to publish what he believed. “I’m not going to give up on anything I believe in,” Irving said. “I will become stronger because I am not alone. I have a whole army around me.” Nets coach Steve Nash said Monday that he sees it as “an opportunity for us to grow and understand new prospects.” “I think the organization is trying to take that stance or can communicate through that and try to get everybody out in a better position and with more understanding and more empathy for each side of this conversation and the situation,” Nash said. Irving has previously supported the idea that the Earth is flat, recently shared an old quote from conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, and was unavailable for most of the Nets’ home games last season because he refused to be vaccinated against Covid-19, as imposed on him. in New York City. The Nets then declined to give him a contract extension this summer, meaning Irving could be in his final season with the team.
