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Kyrie Irving has yet to even play his first game for the Dallas Mavericks and yet the Mavs are already dealing with his first potential PR crisis.
The Mavericks acquired Irving in a deal with the Nets involving Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and multiple draft picks just hours after Irving requested a trade.
It was a shock wave through the Eastern Conference organization that had dealt with a lot of them due to Irving. His refusal to get vaccinated cost him nearly a full season. Then he helped cause the ousting of former coach Steve Nash.
But those pale in comparison to Irving’s biggest scandal.
That came earlier this season when the seven-time NBA All-Star shared antisemitic propaganda material. Irving then refused to apologize or separate himself from the material.
The Nets eventually suspended the superstar with his return conditional upon an apology.
He posted the following apology on his Instagram page shortly after being suspended:
“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.
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.”
Many believed Irving’s apology was insincere. The belief was that he apologized solely return to the court. As it turns out, that may well have been true.
Kyrie Irving Deletes Instagram Apology For Sharing Antisemitic Propaganda
Shortly after the trade request and prior to actually being traded, Irving deleted the post.
Remember this apology by Kyrie about the video he posted?
Sometime before getting traded to Dallas, @sam_amick reports that Kyrie removed the post from his instagram.
Here's the link to Kyrie's original post that has been removed https://t.co/rv49aIBt8p
The original ⬇️ https://t.co/ti5VsuN0D5 pic.twitter.com/X1eLjYZHsp
— The Glue Guys (@BKGlueGuys) February 7, 2023
Surely he won’t be asked about that in Dallas. Talk about buyer’s remorse.