Kyrie Irving Breaks Silence on Antisemitic Book Controversy

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has issued a statement on 'Anti-Semitic label'

Joey Linn | Oct 29, 2022

In this story:

Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has once again found himself in the middle of controversy. After being publicly called out by team governor Joe Tsai for appearing to support a film based on a book that is "full of anti-semitic disinformation," Irving responded by saying the "Anti-Semitic label" being pushed is not justified.

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🤞🏾♾
— Chief Hélà 🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) October 29, 2022

These off-court distractions that Irving finds himself in are primarily what kept teams from pursuing him this offseason. Every season since he joined the Nets, there have been instances where his off-court drama has overshadowed his on-court production. Off to a great start on the court this season, Irving has already caused distractions off the court, which Joe Tsai had to publicly address.

Believing the current labeling of him is unfair, Irving responded to the controversy, saying he embraces all religions and walks of life, and has a desire to learn from everybody. In Tsai's initial statement, he said he wanted to sit down with Irving and make sure he understands how hurtful his promotion of this book is.

Tsai finished his statement by saying, "I want to sit down and make sure he understands this is hurtful to all of us, and as a man of faith, it is wrong to promote hate based on race, ethnicity or religion."

Kyrie has since refuted the antisemitic label, and said he means no disrespect.

Steve Nash and Kevin Durant Speak On Nash's Ejection

Ben Simmons Blasts His Own Performance: 'I Played Like Sh-t'

Ja Morant Reveals How He Baited Ben Simmons Into Fouling Out

Published Oct 29, 2022

JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn32@sbcglobal.net Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis, insight, and reporting Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Receiving a media credential during the 2021-22 season, Joey has experience interviewing NBA players, and developing exclusive stories from these interviews. Having appeared on several different NBA podcasts over the last four seasons, Joey is now hosting his own podcast for The Sporting Tribune. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Now graduated, Joey is covering the NBA full-time across multiple platforms. Credentialed by the Clippers, Joey covers the team daily with articles, podcasts, and video breakdowns on YouTube. With four years of sports media experience, Joey provides expert insight and analysis for NBA fans across the league.

Related Articles