Nike suspends relationship with Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving over anti-Semitism

New York – Nike broke up with Kyrie Irving.

The shoe giant announced Friday night that it was suspending its relationship with the Brooklyn security guard. Suspended by Nets For what he called the team’s repeated failures to “clearly say they have no anti-Semitic beliefs.”

The Nets made that move on Thursday, and Nike made a similar decision the next day.

“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech, and we condemn all forms of anti-Semitism,” the Beaverton, Oregon-based company said. We have decided to end the relationship immediately and not launch the Kyrie 8.”

Irving has had the Nike Signature line since 2014.

“We are deeply saddened and disappointed by this situation and its effect on everyone,” Nike said in a statement.

Related | Adidas ends partnership with Kanye West over anti-Semitic comments

Irving signed with Nike in 2011 shortly after being the number one pick in the NBA Draft. Irving’s first signature shoe was released three years after his, and the popularity of the Kylie line reportedly earned him $11 million a year from Nike’s endorsement alone.

The Kyrie 8 was supposed to be released next week. Earlier models of his shoes were still on sale on Nike’s website Friday night.

Nike’s decision comes a day after the Nets handed down a suspension lasting at least five games, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the documentary “From Hebrews to Blacks: Wake Up Black America” ​​- containing anti-Semitic content. Movies containing.

Irving defended his right to post what he wanted and refused to give a direct answer Thursday when asked if he held anti-Semitic beliefs. Hours after the release, Irving posted an apology on Instagram for failing to explain certain beliefs he agreed with or disagreed with when posting the documentary.

“To all Jewish families and communities who have been hurt and affected by my posts, I deeply apologize and apologize for the pain I have caused you,” Irving wrote. Instead of focusing on the healing process of our Jewish brothers and sisters who were hurt by the hateful remarks made on .

Irving became the second high-profile celebrity in less than two weeks to lose a major shoe contract over anti-Semitism. Adidas was forced to part ways with artist Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, at the end of last month, paying Ye and his company.

For weeks, Ye has made anti-Semitic comments in interviews and on social media, including a Twitter post that he will soon be a “Death Con 3 for Jews.” rice field.

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