Kyrie Irving Twitter controversy: How did it begin and what has happened since? All you need to know
This past weekend, Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving dominated the basketball news cycle. Unfortunately, it wasn't for his performance on the court; instead, it was for his actions off the court.
Irving’s most recent foray into controversy may be his most polarizing and dangerous. Irving shared a link promoting a movie called “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America."
The movie promotes ideas of antisemitism. This has caused Nets owner Joe Tsai to speak out against Irving’s promotion of the movie.
I’m disappointed that Kyrie appears to support a film based on a book full of anti-semitic disinformation. I want to sit down and make sure he understands this is hurtful to all of us, and as a man of faith, it is wrong to promote hate based on race, ethnicity or religion.
Kyrie Irving does not own his actions
What has fueled the controversy is Irving's refusal to accept responsibility for his actions and admit that he may have made a mistake. He stated that posting the link on social media does not constitute an endorsement of the movie's views. Irving has 4.5 million Twitter followers, so anything he posts can have a significant impact and draw more attention to it than it would normally receive.
This is not the first time this year that Irving has posted something controversial on his social media. He posted a 2002 clip from controversial media figure Alex Jones, which discussed the idea of a “New World Order." Jones is an election denier. He was recently ordered to pay the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary tradegy close to one billion dollars by a Connecticut jury for calling the mass shooting a hoax.
Although Irving said he does not endorse Jones or any hate speech that he may say, you can’t just disassociate yourself from a figure like Jones. It appears that he does not want to own any responsibility for his actions.
In a recent interview, Irving was pushed on these topics by ESPN’s Nick Friedell, and they had a heated exchange.
Kyrie Irving going back and forth with @NickFriedell during the Nets postgame presser 😳
#NBATwitter #NetsWorld https://t.co/Mn2dSsirSN
During the interview, Kyrie said two things that don’t line up with each other.
“I’m in a unique position to have a level of influence on my community,” Kyrie Irving said.
“I am no different than any other human being… You guys come in here and make up this powerful influence I have,” Irving said during the same interview.
He wants to be seen as an influential figure when it benefits him but doesn’t want to take responsibility for it when the heat is on.
Kyrie Irving's future with the Nets
As of now, this appears to have no bearing on Irving's ability to play for the Nets. Despite statements from the team's owner and the NBA about where it ends, he is unlikely to face disciplinary action as a result of this. He eventually removed the video from his social media accounts as well.
Incredible visual courtside at Barclays right in Kyrie’s face
📸by Corey Sipkin https://t.co/9Rol7Gok3I
Irving was in the starting lineup for his team's most recent game at Barclays Center, where he was greeted by Jewish fans in the front row in a show of solidarity against antisemitism. If Kyrie Irving can keep a low profile, he may be able to finish the season.