Jazz Release Statement on Controversial Kyrie Irving Incident vs. Mavs

The Utah Jazz have addressed the situation publicly.

The Utah Jazz released a statement regarding the incident where security had a fan remove a sign that read “I’m a Jew and I’m Proud” in the team's Monday night game vs. the Dallas Mavericks.

"The Utah Jazz Code of Conduct is in place so that games can be played without distraction and disruption. No matter where someone is in the arena, if a sign becomes distracting or sparks an interaction with a player, we will ask them to remove it.

During an out-of-bounds play in the first quarter of yesterday's Jazz game against the Dallas Mavericks, there was a group sitting courtside whose signs sparked an interaction with a player that created a distraction and interfered with play of game. As the next step in standard security protocol, the fans were asked to take down their signs. The part-time employee who told the fans it was the content of the sign that was the problem was incorrect.

The issue was the disruptive interaction caused by usage of the signs, not the content of the signs." 

I think the rules are that if someone else mentions me, I get a chance to respond.

The Jazz released this head-scratching statement about the “I’m a Jew and I’m proud” signs, and I legit don’t know where to begin.

So here’s some thoughts:

🧵 pic.twitter.com/vAPF0eWUHw

— Avremi Zippel (@UtahRabbi) January 3, 2024

Utah rabbi Avremi Zippel posted his intentions on X prior to the game. Zippel’s actions was a reaction to the antisemitic film Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving posted on social media last season that ultimately got him suspended.

Kyrie Irving playing in the SLC tonight.

With everything that happened this morning, I thought it’d be appropriate to give him a welcome.

Stay tuned… pic.twitter.com/khs8CkxqDs

— Avremi Zippel (@UtahRabbi) January 2, 2024

Apparently, Irving saw the sign during the game, and according to Zipple, the future Hall-of-Famer said, “No need to bring that to the game.” 

Jazz security later told Zipple that signs were not allowed courtside.

In response to Utah’s statement, Zippel shared his own thoughts with a tweet. 

“Sadly, instead of just quietly chalking this up to a misunderstanding and letting this remain a small blip, the Jazz took the side of a said triggered player and doubled down. That’s just disappointing to me.”

---

Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and X.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Jazz news videos and live-stream!