WASHINGTON — Nike has suspended its relationship with Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving inside the wake of the controversy surrounding his social media submit a pair of e book and film containing antisemitic tropes, the agency introduced Friday evening time.
Nike additionally mentioned it wouldn’t launch Irving’s new shoe, the Kyrie eight. The shoe, Irving’s eighth with the agency, had been slated for a November eight launch.
“At Nike, we think about there might even be no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism,” Nike mentioned in a ready assertion. “we’re deeply saddened and upset by the state of affairs and its affect on all people.”
Irving’s deal with Nike was initially set to expire on Oct. 1, 2023. His signature line with Nike, which he has had since 2014, is taken into consideration one of Nike’s most profitable current participant collection in current occasions, behind solely LeBron James‘ signature collection. Irving’s footwear are additionally amongst the diversified most-worn throughout the league.
Irving, 30, was suspended by the Nets on Thursday evening time for at the very least 5 video games with out pay after failing to formally apologize for his submit and failing to clarify whether or not he held antisemitic beliefs.
Irving apologized in an Instagram submit later that evening time, writing partially: “To All Jewish households and Communities which might even be damage and affected from my submit, i am deeply sorry to have brought about you ache and that i apologize.”
On Friday night, a quantity of gamers had been carrying Kyrie-branded footwear. Going forward, it stays to be seen if Nike will request current endorsing athletes to halt carrying prior Kyrie sneakers in video games altogether.
ESPN’s Nick DePaula contributed to this report.
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