Kyrie Irving & Nike Part Ways For Good After AntiSemitism Controversy
By Kay on December 5, 2022 at 7:15 PM EST
Updated on December 5, 2022 at 11:38 PM EST
Kanye West isn’t the only celebrity spewing antisemitic hate. Don’t forget Kyrie Irving went down the same road and now Nike has officially dropped him.
Kyrie Irving & Nike Breakup For Good
The Basketball player made a shocking post on social media last month when he shared a link to a movie that is being called antisemitic. 'Hebrews To Negros: Wake Up Black America' is the name of the documentary that apparently focuses on “Jewish stereotypes and antisemitic tropes.”
The Brooklyn Nets player initially defended his decision to promote the link via his social media. He insists he isn’t into trying to be “divisive”. Even though he eventually apologized and was suspended for five games. The basketball was given six demands by the NB A that must be completed before he returns.
Irving apologized again and even made a donation of $500,000 to fight against hate speech.
The ball player also allegedly complied with demands for him to complete sensitivity training.
Nike Appears To Have Dropped Kyrie Irving
Now, the athlete is taking another blow with Nike dropping him.
“Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike athlete, Nike spokesperson says. The sides have parted ways one month after Nike suspended its relationship with the Nets star. Irving has one of the most popular signature shoes in the NBA and is now a sneaker-free agent.”
While the collaboration was initially suspended, this solidifies that the two parties will no longer be working together. Following the breakup, Nike announced it was already working with another athlete.
“Memphis Grizzlies All-NBA star Ja Morant is in line to receive a new signature shoe at Nike in the near future, industry sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The parties have been working on this for several months," an NBA insider tweeted.
Kyrie Irving Fans Are Annoyed
The confirmation of the Nike news has Irving's followers in their feelings regarding not just the Nike part of it all but the way Irving is being treated, regardless of his apology.
“They ended the contract immediately though, they were planning to release the Kyrie 9 before the deal ended - that's now been dumped,” pointed out one fan.
Another added, “Putting this news over the original post is a great representation of what companies like Nike think of their black athletes … Nike thinks it can just replace Kyrie's signature line with Ja. Kyrie had the best signature line massive L for Nike.”
Some fans pointed out that Irving should have done his due diligence.
No One Is Sticking Up For Kyrie Irving
“Sucks for him but I’d bet my lunch he didn’t even watch the movie before he shared it.”
“So this what happens when you promote a film that mentions the holocaust didn’t happen 😮,” asked another follower of the trend.
Irving is yet to say anything about this new development, but some celebs have come out to defend him and his mistake in posting the video. Nick Cannon vouched for him in between having children.
Lebron James also came to his defense asking why no one would openly speak about how he is being treated over a mistake.