via Getty
BROOKLYN, NY – JANUARY 7: Kevin Durant #7, and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets talk to each other during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 7, 2020 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
via Getty
BROOKLYN, NY – JANUARY 7: Kevin Durant #7, and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets talk to each other during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 7, 2020 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets star and former NBA champion Kyrie Irving has landed himself in trouble yet again. After endorsing a controversial film on his Twitter account, the team owner openly called him out. Recently, fellow Nets superstar Kevin Durant was asked to comment on the issue.
During a press conference, journalist Nick Friedell touched upon Irving’s latest controversy. When asked whether the issue has impacted the group or not, KD had a straightforward answer. Durant said, “Absolutely not. Only impacted you guys and everybody outside the locker room.“
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Nick Friedell: "Do you think anything that's gone on with Kyrie recently with what he posted and backlash he's faced from it has impacted the group at all?"
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA) October 30, 2022
Kevin Durant: "Absolutely not. Only impacted you guys and everybody outside the locker room." pic.twitter.com/TZM0Q0zmIN
Very recently, Billionaire Nets owner Joe Tsai openly condemned Irving for promoting the controversial film. The film released in 2018 is based on a book that apparently is anti-semitic and spreads misinformation.
Kyrie Irving opened up on the issue
After the Brooklyn Nets‘ 125-116 loss against the Indiana Pacers, Kyrie Irving lashed out at his critics during a press conference. He talked about not standing down despite the Nets owner and the NBA releasing statements against him. Irving said, “Nah, this is what’s here. It’s on a public platform. Did I do anything illegal? Did I hurt anybody?”
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 26, 2022; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) talks to the media during media day at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Nets guard took to Twitter a few days back and posted a link to the film’s Amazon page. The film titled “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” is based on a 2015 book with the same title. Both the film and the book have received widespread criticism for being antisemitic.
Irving and Kevin Durant have had a slow start to the season
Leaving all the off-court controversies aside, the Brooklyn Nets have had a horrendous start to the season. After six games, they are down 1-5.
READ MORE: Open Discord in Brooklyn Nets as Billionaire Owner Shames Kyrie Irving Over Latest Stance
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Kevin Durant averages 32.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. On the other hand, Kyrie Irving averages 30.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. (Source: ESPN)
After the shocking first-round playoff exit last season, the Brooklyn Nets will be looking to improve their performances this season. However, with bad results and internal matters, it is not looking well for the team with one of the best rosters in the league.
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What are your thoughts on the Kyrie Irving controversy? Let us know in the comments down below.
