Kyrie Irving has long been considered the slightly different NBA star. With his advertising for an anti-Semitic film, however, he has now completely sidelined himself. Fans demand consequences. Irving’s club, the Brooklyn Nets, are under pressure.
One of his most famous appearances was Kyrie Irving in a commercial as “Uncle Drew“. Disguised as Grandpa, shuffles irving on the famous Freiplatz “Rucker Park” in Harlem asks the young basketballcracks whether he can play – and then, of course, wets one after the other.
The role of “Uncle Drew“, which he was later even allowed to play in a film of the same name, also shaped Irving in the NBA: the somewhat different NBA star, slightly crazy, always up for a “prank”.
An image that stayed with me for a long time, even when Irving pondered the true appearance of dinosaurs and the fact that the earth might be flat after all. At the latest with the reference to the “Flat Earth“But the theory should have ended with being funny.
Irving’s susceptibility to conspiracy theories became apparent at the latest when he stubbornly refused the corona vaccination, garnished with the relevant justifications. But he missed most of last season because, according to the order of the new Yorker Authorities were not allowed to play as an unvaccinated person and are said to have accepted financial losses in the millions.
Irving shares film with anti-Semitic narratives
So far, one could still argue, Irving had mostly harmed himself. And his club, which stuck with him because he is a gifted playmaker. With the latest chapter in the Kyrie saga, however, things are different: irving had a link to the film on his Twitter channel last week “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black AmericaThe film, according to US media, citing anti-discrimination organizations, is based on a book that spreads racist and, above all, anti-Semitic narratives.
the Brooklyn Nets and the league reacted in horror. the NBA issued a statement against any form of “hate speech”. The players’ union has also published a statement condemning anti-Semitism, but without Irving’s to mention names. The all-star sits on the board of the union.
Nets owner Tsai on Irving: ‘Disappointed’
Also Joe Tsaiowner of the Nets, expressed disappointment with Irving, who appears to have “anti-Semitic disinformation” support and announced a conversation with the player. Whether this took place is unclear. Irving’s The tweet then disappeared from his account. Publicly, however, he continued to refuse any criticism. He would not back away from his convictions, he emphasized in a media round after Nets-Game. Even more: The criticism will strengthen him even more, because he is not alone: “I have a whole army around me.“
US filmmaker: “Dangerous border exceeded”
So, according to African-American filmmaker Jesse Washington On-line-Magazine Andscape, Irving crossed the line of “dangerous”. “He didn’t incite violence, but there are enough conspiracy believers who think they are soldiers and are willing to kill for their twisted views.”
In which irvingas a famous basketball player, publishes a link to a film that paints Jews as enemies, he could give the next killer ammunition, fears Washington, who deals with racism and discrimination in his documentaries.
In any case, the pressure on the Nets, and also on the NBA, will increase until then irving does not withdraw his statements. Any touch of anti-Semitism is a no-go, especially in new York with its large Jewish population. At the game against Indiana last weekend, a group of fans in the front row protested with “Fight anti-Semitism” shirts.
Nets fans protest Irving statements
Other Nets fans demanded consequences for Irving, and the sponsors will also expect a signal from the club. When playing against Chicago got irving precautionary ban on interviews: you don’t want more trouble, said Sean Marks, general manager of the Nets. Marks announced on ESPN that the club is working with experts like the Anti-Defamation League to advise on how to proceed. And about how to irving get out of the anti-Semitism corner again. Otherwise, his time with the Nets could soon be up.