Nike Ends Partnership With Kyrie Irving After Antisemitism Controversy

Nike has cut ties with Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving after suspending their relationship in early November.

Irving tweeted on Monday a GIF with the phrase “There’s nothing more priceless than being free.”

pic.twitter.com/XwLDw6nhmS

— Chief Hélà 🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) December 5, 2022

Irving has been at the center of controversy since he tweeted a link to an antisemitic documentary in October. He initially refused to issue an apology and was served an NBA suspension that the organization said would last a minimum of five games. Irving ultimately missed eight games.

Irving’s tweet prompted Nike to cancel the launch of the Kyrie 8 shoe. According to Irving’s Twitter, the shoe was meant to launch on November 11.

On October 29, Irving took to Twitter to say “The ‘Anti-Semitic’ label that is being pushed on me is not justified,” but still he did not apologize. Irving ultimately apologized in a since-deleted Instagram post after news of his suspension broke.

I am an OMNIST and I meant no disrespect to anyone’s religious beliefs. The “Anti-Semitic” label that is being pushed on me is not justified and does not reflect the reality or truth I live in everyday. I embrace and want to learn from all walks of life and religions.

Hélà🤞🏾♾

— Chief Hélà 🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) October 29, 2022

Irving received widespread backlash for his actions.

Nets owner Joe Tsai called Irving’s tweet “hurtful” and “wrong.” He later added, “This is bigger than basketball.”

I’m disappointed that Kyrie appears to support a film based on a book full of anti-semitic disinformation. I want to sit down and make sure he understands this is hurtful to all of us, and as a man of faith, it is wrong to promote hate based on race, ethnicity or religion.

— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) October 29, 2022

The National Basketball Players Association released a statement on November 1 condemning antisemitism without naming Irving specifically.

“Anti-Semitism has no place in our society,” the statement read.

Irving has been embroiled in controversy before. He missed much of last season after failing to comply with NBA coronavirus vaccination requirements. He has also made statements about his doubts that the Earth is round.