Kyrie Irving Reveals Reason For Deleting Apology Post

After being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks, Irving spoke on his now deleted apology

Joey Linn | Feb 7, 2023

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After Kyrie Irving was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks, some noticed that his apology post on Instagram for sharing a film that contained antisemitic content had been removed. Speaking in front of the Dallas media for the first time, Irving was asked why the post was taken down, and gave a detailed answer.

"I delete a lot of things on my Instagram," Irving said. "I've had things that have happened before in my life, probably not as drastic as that moment, which led to a lot of confusion and uncertainty about what I meant and what I stand for. I had to sit up in front of these mics and explain to the world who I am, and I know who I am. I delete things all the time and it's no disrespect to anyone in the community. Just living my life."

Kyrie on whether he deleted his apology on his IG for originally posting a link to a documentary with anti-Semitic tropes on his Twitter account and saying he does still stand by his apology. pic.twitter.com/SnAm3NpC7o
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) February 7, 2023

When asked if he still stands by his apology, Irving said, "I stand by who I am and why I apologized. I did it because I care about my family and I have Jewish members of my family who care for me deeply. Did the media know that beforehand before they called me that word antisemitic? No. Did they know anything about my family? No. Everything was put out before I had anything to say. I reacted instead of responding emotionally maturely. I didn't mean to be defensive or go at anybody. I stand by my apology and I stand by my people."

Irving is expected to make his Dallas Mavericks debut on Wednesday evening in Los Angeles against the LA Clippers.

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Published Feb 7, 2023

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.

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