“I don’t have any other room to say anything about it” Jewish NBA star Deni Avdija weighs in on Kyrie Irving’s WRONGFUL antisemitic posts
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Deni Avdija, Kyrie Irving
Deni Avdija spent barely over five minutes answering questions concerning the controversy surrounding Kyrie Irving after the Washington Wizards’ Friday defeat to the Brooklyn Nets. In response to Irving’s social media post regarding an anti-Semitic movie and book, Avdija, the sole Jewish player currently playing in the NBA addressed the situation.
When Kyrie Irving refused to address antisemitism or provide an apology for a social media post regarding a book and movie that featured antisemitic stereotypes, his actions and obstinacy caused a public uproar. Last week Irving promoted the film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” on social media. Since then, Irving has delayed offering an apology or a complete denunciation of the movie’s content despite multiple opportunities to do so but only did when it was too late. Deni Avdija has now addressed the situation regarding Irving because he’s the only Jewish player in the NBA.
Avdija stated on Friday night that while he made an effort to maintain his optimism in the face of antisemitism, he also thinks that player’s acts ought to have repercussions. In the dressing room at Capital One Arena, he spoke to the media where he stated: “You can think whatever you want, you can do whatever you want. I don’t think it’s right to go out and publish it and let little kids that follow you see it and generations that come after to think like that, because it’s not true. Hopefully, he’s sorry for what he said.”
What did Kyrie Irving post that made it so controversial?
By providing a link to the 2018 documentary “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” which contains antisemitic aspects and was inspired by a book of the same name, Kyrie Irving was able to bring together his despicable conduct from last Friday. Some people have condemned the book and movie for having an antisemitic atmosphere and the movie seems to have been upsetting. Along with the press release, Irving’s sponsor Nike and the NBA also made statements condemning antisemitism and hate speech.
Irving and ESPN’s Nick Friedell engaged in a heated conversation after Irving shared the movie’s link during which Irving was questioned about the notion of endorsing the film. Irving and the Nets pledged to donate $500,000 to organizations and causes that work to combat prejudice and intolerance in the community. The Anti-Defamation League and the team said in a joint statement on Wednesday in light of the controversy. Both NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Nets owner Joe Tsai were also concerned that Irving had not offered an apology.
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Deni Avdija sheds light on Irving’s actions
Deni Avdija spoke about the help he gets from Israelis all around the world and the Jewish community. Avdija is the only Jewish player born in Israel who is currently playing in his third NBA season. In the post-game presser, he also added: “I think Irving’s a role model, he’s a great player. I think he made a mistake, but you need to understand that he gives an example to people.” He concluded by saying: “There need to be consequences for the actions that players do. I think it needs to be known there is no room for words like that.”
Kyrie Irving’s tweet has captivated the NBA this week more than any other narrative. Due to the widespread attention and criticism, Irving was suspended by his own organization and Nike cut off its business ties with him. The former NBA champion has been suspended by the Nets for a minimum of five games. The Nets point guard has already apologized on his Instagram account and stated that he accepts full responsibility for his actions. What follows Kyrie and the Nets’ eventful week is something to keep an eye on.
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Irvin Philip
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