NBAPA releases a statement on antisemitism, doesn't mention Irving / News - Basketnews.com

NBA Players Association released a statement about antisemitism but did not mention the organization's vice president Kyrie Irving in any way. No disciplinary measures have come from the Nets or the league despite past examples.

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Kyrie Irving has recently been under public scrutiny for promoting a movie that is deemed to be antisemitic. Following the news, NBA Players Association has released a statement.

Kyrie Irving

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The official release states as follows:

Anti-Semitism has no place in our society. The NBPA is focused on creating an environment where everyone is accepted. We are committed to helping players fully understand that certain words can lead to hateful ideologies being spread. We will continue to work on identifying and combating all hate speech wherever it arises.

Interestingly, Kyrie Irving, who caused the organization to release the statement, is not mentioned in any way. It is worth noting that along with several other representatives, Irving is a vice president of the players association and a member of the executive committee.

Besides the media, the NBA has been mostly silent about it as well, only releasing a statement without directly mentioning Irving but stating that hate speech of any kind is unacceptable and that the league will continue working to ensure that every member understands the impact of their words and actions.

For example, then-Miami Heat forward Meyers Leonard used an antisemitic slur during a game stream on Twitch almost two years ago. The player was immediately suspended by the team and later fined $50,000 by the league. Meyers hasn't played a minute in the NBA since the incident.

Nets owner Joe Tsai has condemned Irving's actions but no disciplinary measures have come from the Brooklyn Nets or the league so far. Before getting released yesterday, head coach Steve Nash commented on it as an opportunity to grow.

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