Photo: Christian Petersen
The relationship between Nike and suspended Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving has likely ended permanently, according to co-founder Phil Knight.
"I would doubt that we go back," Knight said in an interview with CNBC that aired Thursday (November 10) via ESPN. "But I don't know for sure."
Last Friday (November 4) Nike announced that it had "suspended" its relationship with Irving and canceled the upcoming release of his latest signature shoe amid the point guard's sharing of a film containing anti-Semitic material and ensuing five-game suspension, four of which have already taken place.
Irving signed with Nike during his rookie season in 2011 and has had his own signature shoe line dating back to 2014, with his endorsement deal reported to be valued at at least $11 million annually, via ESPN reports.
"Kyrie stepped over the line," Knight told CNBC. "It's kind of that simple. He made some statements that we just can't abide by and that's why we ended the relationship. And I was fine with that."
Last Thursday (November 3), Irving issued an apology to the Jewish community following his suspension in relation to what the team referred to as his refusal "to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film."
"While doing research on YHWH, I posted a Documentary that contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibility for my actions. I am grateful to have a big platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward by having an open dialogue to learn more and grow from this," Irving wrote on his verified Instagram account.
"To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize. I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary. I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti-Semitism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with. I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all. I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am."
The Nets issued a statement on NBA.com announcing that Irving would be suspended for at least five games without pay after the franchise and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had publicly sought for the point guard to issue an apology for posting a link to an antisemitic film.
“Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing antisemitic hate. We believed that taking the path of education in this challenging situation would be the right one and thought that we had made progress with our joint commitment to eradicating hate and intolerance.
"We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity – but failed – to clarify.
"Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team. Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets. We have decided that Kyrie will serve a suspension without pay until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct and the suspension period served is no less than five games.”
Irving addressed the incident publicly on Thursday prior to his apology and said some of the things in the film were untrue, but not that he shouldn't have posted the link.
"I'm not the one who made the documentary," Irving said via ESPN.
The All-Star was then asked if he had antisemitic beliefs, which he denied, but said, "I cannot be antisemitic if I know where I come from."
Last Wednesday (November 2), Irving and the Nets announced they'd each donate $500,000 to anti-hate causes in conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League, but Silver said he was still disappointed in the point guard's unwillingness to give a qualified apology.
"While we appreciate the fact that he agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicize," the commissioner said.
The CEO of the Anti-Defamation League said that the organization "cannot in good conscience accept" the donation made by the Nets and Irving, according to Huffington Post senior front page editor Phillip Lewis.
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