Comment Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving will donate $500,000 and work with the Anti-Defamation League to fight hate and intolerance after his controversial social media post about an anti-Semitic movie. In a joint statement with the Nets and the ADL, Irving distanced himself from the film and book and acknowledged the fallout from his social media post. The Nets, who have not publicly fined or suspended Irving, announced they would provide a matching donation of $500,000. “I stand against all forms of hate and oppression and stand strong against communities that are marginalized and affected every day,” Irving said in the statement. “I know the negative impact my post has had on the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe that everything said in the documentary was true or reflected my morals and principles.” Irving, who has faced nearly a week of intense criticism, has not formally apologized. “I am a person who learns from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen,” he said. “Therefore, from my family and I, we meant no harm to any group, race or religion of people and wish to be only a beacon of truth and light.” In his post, Irving linked to the movie “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” on Thursday. When asked by reporters on Saturday about the content of the film and an earlier social media post about Alex Jones’ “New World Order” conspiracy theory, Irving denied being anti-Semitic but refused to apologize, arguing that “the story it is not supposed to be hidden from anyone. During the heated exchange, he said he hadn’t done anything illegal or hurt anyone. Irving added that the “New World Order” conspiracy theory was “true”. After Irving’s post and subsequent statements, the NBA, the National Basketball Players Association, the Nets and team owner Joe Tsai issued statements against anti-Semitism. Irving eventually deleted the post without any public comment, and a group of eight fans sat courtside at the Nets’ win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday wearing T-shirts that read: “Fight Anti-Semitism.” “At a time when anti-Semitism has reached historic levels, we know that the best way to combat the oldest hate is to confront it head-on and also to change hearts and minds,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. “With this partnership, the ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open dialogue and increase understanding.” Nets General Manager Sean Marks said Tuesday that Irving did not meet with the media Monday or Tuesday because he needed time to “simmer.” Marks added that he and Tsai had been in talks with the ADL. “I’m certainly not proud of the situation we’re in,” Marks said. “I would like to return to basketball. … There is no tolerance and no room for hate speech or anti-Semitic comments in this organization.” After Brooklyn parted ways with coach Steve Nash on Tuesday, Irving looked unhinged in a 108-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls. The seven-time all-star finished with just four points on 2-for-12 shooting, the lowest point total of his four-year tenure with the Nets. The Nets said Wednesday they will work with the ADL, a nonprofit organization, to “develop educational programming that is inclusive and fully combats all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry.” “The events of the past week have stirred many emotions in the Nets organization, our Brooklyn community and the nation,” the organization said in a statement. “The public debate that followed brought greater awareness to the challenges we face as a society in combating hate and hate speech. We are ready to rise to this challenge and recognize that this is a unique time to make a lasting impact.” Irving, 30, is averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Nets, who are off to a 2-6 start. The No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft has been a lightning rod for criticism for much of his tenure in Brooklyn, including his polarizing decision to remain unvaccinated last season. Subscribe to the NBA Weekly Newsletter to get the best basketball coverage in your inbox
