Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has come under heavy fire from all quarters recently. Prior to his suspension, he was hammered by Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O?Neal for his actions. And now another 7 ft Lakers giant has joined in as well and tore into Irving.
Irving has been at the center of attention for the last week. He posted a link on his Twitter to a supposedly antisemitic movie. Subsequently, Irving was the target of several questions by reporters, But the Nets star is yet to apologize explicitly for his actions. And after seeing his interview, Shaquille O?Neal launched a verbal attack on the 30-year-old.
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Shaq said, “When you?re as great at basketball as he is, people listen to you? It hurts me that we have to sit up here and talk about stuff that divides us. We have to sit up here and answer for what this idiot has done. I stand for equality of all people.”
And now Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has also joined in on the act.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar lauds Shaquille O?Neal and other legends for their Kyrie Irving stance
Abdul-Jabbar talked about the entire incident with Irving and the stance taken by NBA legends. Incidentally, Shaq, Charles Barkley, and Reggie Miller, have all condemned Irving’s actions, and taken a bold stance on the issue. The six-time NBA champ seemed to be impressed by the bold stance taken by everybody.
He said, “I couldn?t be prouder of Shaq, Charles, and Reggie for their bold and straightforward comments. They are at the forefront of Black athletes that are condemning the recent antisemitic social media posts by Kyrie Irving and Ye”
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He was also very disappointed with Kyrie Irving’s actions and his subsequent apology. Abdul-Jabbar said Irving’s apology looked forced, and it still seems like he doesn’t feel any guilt for his actions. The 7’2 center further admitted that he has very little hope for Kyrie to change. Because the Nets guard has no motivation to learn from his mistakes.
“Honestly, there?s little hope that he will change because he?s insulated by fame and money and surrounded by yes-people,” Abdul-Jabbar added.
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Irving has been suspended by the Nets for a minimum of five games without pay. The Nets released a statement that they were disappointed by his actions and they do not support any of the messages that he was sending. Hopefully, the Nets can put this entire saga behind them and get back on track.