Nike Severs Ties With Nets Guard Kyrie Irving Post Antisemitism Controversy

Early in November, Kyrie Irving promoted a movie with many antisemitic motifs on Twitter. He was suspended from the Nets and Nike for his initial failure to express regret or disapproval of the movie’s content. The Kyrie Irving 8, from one of its most well-liked sneaker lines, which was to be Irving’s next trademark shoe, was also shelved by the apparel firm.

“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism,” a statement from Nike said when the brand halted its relationship with Irving last month. “To that end, we’ve made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8. We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone.”

Nike Severs Ties With Nets Guard Kyrie Irving Post Antisemitism Controversy

One month after Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving supported an anti-Semitic documentary on social media, Nike cancelled their sponsorship of him.

Kyrie Irving later apologized after the sportswear firm first suspended its deal with him.

Eight games were missed by the 30-year-old as he was suspended by the NBA.

Speaking recently, Nike founder Phil Knight said: “Kyrie stepped over the line. It really is that easy.”

Knight added: “He made some statements that we just can’t abide by, and that’s why we ended the relationship. I was fine with that.”

Irving, a seven-time NBA All-Star, had been working with Nike for eight years and, as of 2019, had a $11 million (£9 million) contract with the company.

Before his recent controversy, Kyrie Irving’s relationship with Nike was tumultuous. When images of the Kyrie 8 leaked online in July 2021, he told supporters on Instagram he had “nothing to do with the design or marketing of the upcoming #Kyrie8,” calling the shoe “trash” and suggesting, “Nike plans to release it without my okay.”

Prior to this season, Irving’s deal with Nike was set to expire. Even before Irving’s most recent issue, ESPN reported in May that it was doubtful that the sponsorship agreement would be renewed.

Kyrie Irving was not allowed to play for the Nets for eight games. He was given a list of demands to fulfil at that time, including making a public apology and meeting with Jewish community leaders.

 

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