The anti-Semitism saga continues after Kyrie Irving refused to acknowledge his actions and subsequently faced a five-game suspension. Although his comments divided the internet, several celebrities like the former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho supported the NBA star, especially looking at his past contributions and donations to the deprived sections of society.
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This new wave of anti-Semitism wrapped America after Ye made comments hurting the Jewish community worldwide. It took no time to spread like wildfire. Few of them supported the star while others lashed at the rapper for his controversial remarks.
Meanwhile, the Seven-time All-star, Irving got in the middle of this after he tweeted a link to an old movie that had connections to anti-Semitism. Although he described it as unintentional, his actions soon became a national debate.
Kyrie Irving addresses the backlash to his recent social media posts after Saturday night's game in Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/tSuxGrNbbM
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 30, 2022
The former NFL star Emmanuel Acho took the opportunity to address the issue in the recent episode of SPEAK. He claimed that Irving is an unbiased man and that his comments were not maligned.
“I actually don’t think Kyrie Irving is intentionally malicious. Why? because in March 2020, Kyrie Irving donated 17 pallets of food to a Native American tribe along with $15,000. In May 2020 Kyrie Irving donated $323,000 to Feeding America.” Acho said on the show, narrating more such incidents.
“In July of 2020, Kyrie Irving donated $1.5 million to cover the WNBA’s lost wages, in December of 2020, Kyrie Irving paid for the tuition of nine HBCU students in January 2021, Kyrie Irving bought a house for the family of George Floyd,”
“and so I would be remiss if I did not state my personal opinion,” he added. Anyways, whether or not his actions were disturbing, the tweet cost him a chunk of his fortune.
Brooklyn Nets suspend Kyrie Irving
Ever since Irving’s comments became a nationwide topic for discussion, his business took a great hit. Especially popular brands like NIKE pulled out of their deal with the NBA star.
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Above all, his refusal to stage an apology firsthand cost him five games without any pay. “Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team. Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.” the statement from the team read.
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Before announcing his five-game suspension, Irving, along with the team vowed to donate $500,000 in charity to the affected communities. However, the Anti-Defamation League’s chief refused to accept the money and criticized the athlete. What side are you on? Do you think Irving is truly apologetic?
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