Kyrie Irving apologizes to Jewish community: 'I don't stand for any hate speech' / News - Basketnews.com

Kyrie Irving says he is not anti-Jewish and focuses on healing and repairing a lot of his close relationships with his Jewish relatives, brothers, and sisters.

Credit: AFP - Scanpix Credit AFP - Scanpix

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving, who was suspended for at least five games by the team for promoting an antisemitic movie, has issued another apology as his return on the court nears. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Irving could return as soon as Sunday.

Kyrie Irving

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While speaking to Ian Begley of SNY, Irving said he wants to "focus on the hurt that he caused or the impact that he made within the Jewish community."

"I just want to apologize deeply for all my actions throughout the time that it's been since the post was first put up. I've had a lot of time to think. But my focus, initially, if I could do it over, would be to heal and repair a lot of my close relationships with my Jewish relatives, brothers, and sisters," he said in an interview.

Irving reiterated he is not "anti-Jewish" and apologized publicly.

"I don't have hate in my heart for the Jewish people or anyone that identifies as a Jew. I'm not anti-Jewish or any of that," Irving told SNY.

"It's been difficult to sit at home with my family, with them seeing all of this and having questions. You know, the part that's been the hardest is explaining myself, because I know who I am, and I know what I represent.

"I don't stand for any hate speech, I don't stand for racial prejudices or racial discrimination, and I for sure don't stand for any religious hatred against any groups. I don't want to bring any harm to any community, I only want to bring more light and peace to our world. In order to do that, you need to come through some moments that maybe [are] challenging and testing."

Irving was also asked why he didn't originally apologize when he posted inappropriate posts on social media.

"I felt like I was protecting my character and I reacted out of just pure defense and just hurt that I could be labeled, or I thought that I was being labeled as antisemitic or anti-Jewish, and I've felt like that was just so disrespectful to ask me whether or not I was antisemitic or not," Irving said.

"Now to the outside world, that may have been seen as a simple 'yes' or 'no.' Which rightfully so, it should've been, 'No, I'm not antisemitic. No, I'm not anti-Jewish.'

"I'm a person who believes we should all have equal opportunities and that we should all shower each other with love, and that should be at the forefront," the 30-year-old added.

Irving, a seven-time All-Star, averages 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season.

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