CNN
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Keri Irving The Brooklyn Nets announced Wednesday that they will donate $500,000 to anti-hate organizations after al-Qaeda tweeted an anti-Semitic documentary last week.
In a joint statement between Irving and the Anti-Defamation League – a “non-profit organization dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and all kinds of hatred that undermine justice and the fair treatment of everyone” – the 30-year-old said he took “responsibility for the ‘negative impact'” of his position on the Jewish community .
“I oppose all forms of hate and oppression and stand strong with marginalized and affected communities every day,” Irving said.
I am aware of the negative impact of my position on the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I don’t think everything said in the documentary was true or reflective of my morals and principles.
“I am a human being who learns from all walks of life and intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we mean no harm to any group, race or religion of people, and only wish to be a beacon of truth and light.”
Irving was indicted last week by, among others, Nets owner Joe Tsai and NBA for posting a link to the 2018 movie “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America.”
The film is based on Ronald Dalton’s book of the same name, which has been criticized by civil rights groups as anti-Semitic.
Earlier this week, NBA and Basketball Hall of Fame analyst Charles Barkley said he believed the league “dropped the ball” on Irving and that he believed Irving should have been stopped.
On Tuesday, when asked why Irving was not disciplined for his actions, Nets general manager Sean Marks told reporters: “I think we’re having these discussions behind the scenes.
“I honestly don’t want to get into those right now. … I’m really trying to figure out exactly the best course of action here.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was “disappointed” with Irving after the goalkeeper did not offer an apology nor deplore the “harmful content found in the film he chose to publish”. In a statement Thursday, the commissioner said Silver will meet with Irving next week.
“Kerry Irving made the reckless decision to post a link to a movie that contained highly offensive anti-Semitic material,” Silver said. “While we appreciate the fact that he agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he did not offer an unconditional apology and more specifically deplored the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publish.”
Irving was not available to the media on Monday or Tuesday after the Nets games on those days.
The joint statement said the donations were made to “eliminate hatred and intolerance in our communities”.
“This is an effort to develop comprehensive educational programs that will comprehensively combat all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry,” the statement read.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said: “At a time when anti-Semitism has reached historic levels, we know that the best way to fight older hate is to confront it head-on and also change hearts and minds.
“Through this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open up dialogue and increase understanding.
“At the same time, we will remain vigilant and advocate the use of anti-Jewish stereotypes and metaphors – whatever the source or whatever the source – while working for a world free of hate.”
Kanye WestWho has been criticized after anti-Semitic statements on social media and in interviews, showed his support for Irving, tweeting a picture of the guard on Thursday.
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, said that the Jewish people have too much control over the business world.
In a post on Twitter, he threatened to “go with Death 3 on the Jewish people.” He also spoke in an Instagram post about Ari Emmanuel, CEO of talent agency Endeavor, referring to “entrepreneurs” while clearly referring to Jews.
Last Friday, he told the paparazzi that a Jewish doctor had misdiagnosed mental health issues, pointed to Jewish ownership of the media and compared family planning to the Holocaust.