“Donated $1.5 Million to Cover WNBA’s Loss Wages”: Ex-NFL Player Says He ‘Doesn’t Think Kyrie Irving Is Intentionally Malicious’ as NBA Suspends Brooklyn Nets Star for Kanye West-Related Controversy

Kyrie Irving’s future is uncertain. The Brooklyn Nets have suspended Irving after he was involved in yet another controversy. Kyrie hurt the sentiments of Jewish people after he promoted an alleged anti-Semitic documentary. However, retired linebacker Emmanuel Acho thinks Kyrie Irving is not a bad person.

Acho said Kyrie Irving doesn’t know that he is unintentionally hurting people. He said, “I actually don’t think Kyrie Irving is intentionally malicious.” The former NFL athlete spoke about the various ways Kyrie has contributed to the community. However, Irving and the Nets are in trouble.

Kyrie Irving issued an apology

Uncle Drew found himself in a lot of trouble after sharing a documentary on social media featuring anti-Semitic emotions. The Brooklyn Nets suspended him for five games without pay. He also issued an apology after his suspension on Instagram. Kyrie owned up to his mistakes and took full responsibility for his actions. “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,” Kyrie wrote.

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Nike also cancelled their shoe deal with Kyrie Irving following this controversy. Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Emmanuel Acho stood in the point guard’s defense during this sensitive time. Acho listed the NBA Champion’s contributions and said, “In July 2020, kyrie Irving donated $1.5 million to cover the WNBA’s loss in wages. In December 2020, Kyrie Irving paid for the tuition of 9 HBCU students.” These acts of generosity have convinced Emmanuel that Kyrie is not doing this intentionally.

Emmanuel Acho spent 4 years in the NFL with the Browns, the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants. Injuries brought an untimely end to his football career. Acho joined the FOX Sports NFL crew after retirement and also hosts the anti-racism webcast ‘Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.’

Will the Nets carry on without Irving?

The Nets suspended Irving, and it is not certain whether ‘Flat-Earth’ Kyrie will return. The Brooklyn Nets have started off rough this NBA season. The Nets are 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 3-6 record and recently fired Steve Nash from the head coach position.

Kyrie Irving’s absence will only add to the pressure on Kevin Durant. Durant called it an unfortunate event and hoped they could move past the incident. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also said that he is meeting with Irving to discuss his future.

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Kyrie Irving missed multiple games in the 2021 season because of his anti-vax stance. Ultimately, the Nets failed to achieve their goal with a super team. And Kyrie continues to be in the headlines. Can he come back and turn things around? The Nets will face the Hornets next while Acho’s Cleveland Browns are up against the Miami Dolphins on Week 9 SNF.