Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has had a tough time lately. Surrounded by controversies, Kyrie has been suspended by the Nets and is currently serving a five-game suspension. Fans and media have been calling out Irving constantly on social media and on television. Even the former assistant coach of the Nets, Amar’e Stoudemire chimed in with his thoughts on it.?
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And now, it seems as if things have taken a turn for the worse for the seven-time All-Star. The global brand Nike has reportedly suspended its relationship with Kyrie Irving, who had been a part of the Nike family for more than a decade.?
Nike ends long-term relationship with Kyrie Irving
Irving signed with Nike in 2011, after being selected number one overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA draft. Irving’s first signature shoe was released three years later after his signing. But it looks like Nike has stopped production of Kyrie Irving’s signature sneaker line.?
The brand was set to release the Kyrie 8’s but has now decided not to. Even after being in the middle of such controversy, Irving has been getting the support of controversial rapper Kanye West. Notably, Adidas recently cut its ties with West following his recent controversies. ?
Many other brands and organizations have also decided to end their relationship with the rapper. And fans seem to think that Kyrie is now getting the same treatment that Kanye West got.?
BREAKING: Nike is suspending their relationship with Kyrie Irving.
(via @SaraEisen) pic.twitter.com/PRTYjNV2TL
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 5, 2022
Fans went on to Twitter to share their thoughts and opinions. One fan commented, “Bro getting the Kanye treatment now.” While another fan tweeted, “Bro when you?re sponsored by these companies you represent them lmao. You can?t just say anything and expect nothing to come of it.”?
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
https://twitter.com/JamesTrippinFr/status/1588690663310184448?s=20&t=vuD7986xskV0j-mlUASM5g
Bro when you’re sponsored by these companies you represent them lmao. You can’t just say anything and expect nothing to come of it
— Chris (@TruChrisMerritt) November 5, 2022
Kyrie has every right to be a black man and the nets and Nike have every right to hold him accountable for his actions. What is unfair about that? If Joe Harris posted the video- they would have cut him.
— IanD (@iandalinka) November 5, 2022
Soooo what was the point of demanding him to apologize if they're still going to strip him of everything?
— The Wise One🌐 (@BabuBoston) November 5, 2022
Love his kicks but humanity is first❤️
— Groovy (@MileHighGroovy) November 5, 2022
This man going to hell
— Wagner Ivanov (@Wagnerivanov) November 5, 2022
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Kyrie Irving has since issued an apology on his official Instagram account, stating that he takes full accountability for his actions. Furthermore, the Brooklyn Nets suspended Irving for “no less than five games”.
Irving finally apologizes
On his Instagram account, Irving said: “To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize.”?
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Watch This Story – Kyrie Irving’s 3-word appeal to America’s most powerful man for sister Brittney Griner
What do you think of Nike suspending its partnership with Kyrie Irving? Do you believe it is the right decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.?