Jewish Nets superfan ‘Mr. Whammy’ to send letter to Kyrie Irving over controversy
A Jewish Brooklyn Nets superfan will be reaching out to star Kyrie Irving through the team.
Bruce Reznick, better known as “Mr. Whammy,” told Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post that he’s written Irving a letter regarding the guard’s controversial sharing of a link to a movie and book that contain antisemitic tropes on his social media. Reznick is sending the note to the Nets.
“Hopefully when he reads my letter, he should understand how he should act,” Reznick explained during a phone conversation. “I think it’s very important that he understand his position — and change.”
An ESPN piece pointed out Irving initially doubled down on sharing the link during what became a heated press conference, but eventually deleted his post. Basketball legends and Hall of Famers Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal are among the many noteworthy individuals who have recently blasted Irving, and Barkley said the one-time NBA champion should be suspended.
As of Thursday afternoon, neither the Nets nor the Association has prevented Irving from taking the court regarding his post. It’s unclear if he’ll suit up against the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
It was learned Wednesday evening that Irving and the Nets will each make donations of $500,000 “toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.”
“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” Irving said in a released statement. “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.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday in a different statement that “Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to a film containing deeply offensive antisemitic material” and that he is “disappointed that (Irving) has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicize.” Silver intends to meet with Irving in person “in the next week.”
Meanwhile, “Mr. Whammy” seems to have a forgiving heart.
“He should have come forth earlier, but he’s got a chance now,” Reznick added about Irving. “It’s never too late to redeem yourself.”