Kyrie Irving, Nets to each donate $500,000 towards organizations working to eradicate hate and intolerance

Kyrie Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a joint statement on Wednesday night, announcing that the team and Irving will each donate $500,000 "towards causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our community."

According to the statement, the Nets and Irving will work with the ADL in "an effort to develop educational programming that is inclusive and will comprehensively combat all forms of antisemitism and bigotry. 

Irving recently promoted on his social media channels a film with antisemitic misinformation.

“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” said Irving. “I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”

“There is no room for antisemitism, racism, false narratives or misguided attempts to create animosity and hate,” said Sam Zussman, Chief Executive Officer of BSE Global, parent company of the Nets and Barclays Center. “Now, more than ever, there is a pressing need to ensure education in these areas. We are putting our prior statements into practice because actions speak louder than words.”

“At a time when antisemitism has reached historic levels, we know the best way to fight the oldest hatred is to both confront it head-on and also to change hearts and minds. With this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open dialogue and increase understanding,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “At the same time, we will maintain our vigilance and call out the use of anti-Jewish stereotypes and tropes – whatever, whoever, or wherever the source – as we work toward a world without hate.”