Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says Kyrie Irving being ‘unwittingly used to promote hatred’
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar doesn't think Kyrie Irving understands the full extent of the damage he has done in recent weeks.
Kyrie Irving has continued to dominate the NBA headlines throughout the start of the season. After a lackluster start to the season for the Brooklyn Nets, Irving generated controversy by sharing an antisemitic clip on Twitter. The film, which notably includes moments where it denies the holocaust, also includes several fake quotes from Adolf Hitler.
Rather than apologize for sharing something so controversial, Irving then doubled down on the video by getting into a verbal spat with reporter Nick Friedell. During the back-and-forth exchange, Irving questioned why he was being accused of promoting the video. In his eyes, reposting the clip wasn't a direct promotion of the content within the movie.
The Nets placed a gag order on Irving and barred him from speaking to the media for several days, hoping cooler heads would prevail. Later that week, when Irving addressed the media, he offered no apologies. The situation forced the Nets to suspend Irving for at least five games while completing a checklist of steps to remedy the situation.
Since then, Irving has issued a written apology via social media, leaving many to wonder whether he will complete the rest of the necessary steps. The way Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sees things, Irving is doing harm to others whether he realizes it or not:
"I think Kyrie has to understand what's happening. He's being unwittingly used to promote hatred and antisemitism. And even though he doesn't see himself as being antisemitic by joining forces and making posts like that, he can be used and I think that's what's happening."
The comments from the Hall of Famer came during a recent appearance on CNN, and can be viewed in the video above beginning around the 1:20 mark.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's transition to being a social justice leader
Following his retirement, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has earned a reputation as being an outspoken advocate for social justice. It was an interesting transition for the Hall of Fame center, who was known for being notoriously stoic during his playing career.
In recent years, the NBA great has continued to speak out on social justice situations. As evident during the CNN segment, several years ago, when DeSean Jackson made antisemitic remarks online, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was at the forefront of the criticism.
Where do Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets go from here?
As it stands right now, Irving must complete the mandatory steps in order to rejoin his teammates. There has also been speculation that the Nets gave Irving a list they knew he wouldn't complete in order to have further cause to release him.
With Irving's trade value at an all-time low given the controversy he has generated, there likely won't be many teams eager to trade for him. As a result, the team's options should Irving fulfill the franchise's requirements are to either welcome him or release him.
How do you see things playing out? Share your opinions in the comment section.