Irving and the Nets will each donate $500,000 to causes ‘that work to eradicate intolerance’

The Brooklyn Nets have released a joint statement alongside Kyrie Irving and the Anti-Defamation League after their star player caused uproar by tweeting about a film based on a ‘venomously anti-Semitic’ book.

In a lengthy statement posted on social media on Wednesday night, the Nets said: ‘The events of the past week have sparked many emotions within the Nets organization, our Brooklyn community, and the nation. 

‘The public discourse that followed has brought greater awareness to the challenges we face as a society when it comes to combating hate and hate speech. We are ready to take on this challenge and we recognize that this is a unique moment to make a lasting impact.

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Kyrie Irving and the Nets will donate money to cause ‘that work to eradicate intolerance’ 

‘To promote education within our community, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will each donate $500,000 toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities. 

‘The Nets and Kyrie Irving will work with ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), a nonprofit organization devoted to fighting antisemitism and all types of hate that undermine justice and fair treatment for every individual. 

‘This is an effort to develop educational programming that is inclusive and will comprehensively combat all forms of antisemitism and bigotry.’

The Brooklyn Nets star caught attention for publicizing the 2018 film ‘Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America’ on social media with a link to its Amazon page

Irving was quoted in the statement saying: ‘I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day. 

‘I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. 

‘I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.

Irving defended his beliefs when confronted asked about them by ESPN’s Nick Friedell

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The joint statement comes after Irving grabbed attention last week for publicizing the 2018 film ‘Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America’ on social media with a link to its Amazon page.

The movie is based on a book by Ronald Dalton Jr. by the same name, and Rolling Stone pointed out that it claims ‘many famous high-ranking Jews’ have ‘admitted to ‘worship[ing] Satan or Lucifer.’

Both the NBA and Nets owner Joe Tsai released statements condemning Irving’s post, though he was not suspended or fined and reiterated his stance on Saturday night following Brooklyn’s loss to the Pacers.

‘I’m not going to stand down on anything I believe in. I’m only going to get stronger because I’m not alone. I have a whole army around me.’

Fans sat courtside at Monday’s Nets game wearing T-shirts reading ‘Fight anti-Semitism’

Irving was asked about his ‘promotion’ of the book/movie by ESPN’s Nick Friedell, which set off a testy exchange between the pair. 

‘Can you please stop calling it promotion?’ Irving said. ‘What am I promoting?’ 

The reporter then began to explain that Irving had shared it to his platform but the guard quickly interrupted, asking: ‘But do you see me promoting it? Yeah I put it out there just like you put things out there right? You put things out there for a living right? Great, so let’s move on.’

Irving scored just four points for the Nets on Tuesday night in the defeat by the Chicago Bulls

 The reporter tried to interject again but Irving continued to talk over him, saying: ‘Let’s move on. Don’t dehumanize me up here. I’m another human being. I can post whatever I want. So say that and shut it down and move on to the next question’

Friedell then tried to interject once again, saying, ‘Kyrie, you have to understand…’ but Irving snapped back, ‘I don’t have to understand anything from you.’

Irving was also met Monday by courtside fans wearing T-shirts reading ‘Fight anti-Semitism’ during the Nets’ second matchup with the Pacers.

Irving approached the fans and said, ‘Grateful for you guys,’ according to a Brooklyn fan.