Kyrie Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a joint statement (via Twitter) following Irving’s promotion of an antisemitic film last week.

According to the statement, Irving and the Nets will each donate $500K “toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.” Irving and the Nets will work the ADL, a nonprofit organization devoted to fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate, in an “effort to develop educational programming that is inclusive and will comprehensively combat all forms of antisemitism and bigotry.”

“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” said Irving. “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.”

“There is no room for antisemitism, racism, false narratives or misguided attempts to create animosity and hate,” said Sam Zussman, Chief Executive Officer of BSE Global, parent company of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center. “Now, more than ever, there is a pressing need to ensure education in these areas. We are putting our prior statements into practice because actions speak louder than words.”

“At a time when antisemitism has reached historic levels, we know the best way to fight the oldest hatred is to both confront it head-on and also to change hearts and minds. With this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open dialogue and increase understanding,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “At the same time, we will maintain our vigilance and call out the use of anti-Jewish stereotypes and tropes – whatever, whoever, or wherever the source – as we work toward a world without hate.”

As Fred Katz, Mike Vorkunov and Sam Amick of The Athletic observe (all
Twitter
links), while Irving claims to “take responsibility” for the “negative impact” of his Twitter post, which has since been deleted after a combative exchange with reporters over the weekend, it’s notable that he did not actually apologize to the Jewish community.

Both the NBA and NBPA previously issued fairly toothless statements condemning antisemitism in general terms without directly naming or rebuking Irving. General manager Sean Marks
said the team wanted Irving to “simmer down” and not create more “fuss” as explanation for why Irving didn’t speak to the media on Monday or Tuesday, noting that Irving’s last media session “didn’t go well.”