Kyrie Irving met with the Dallas media for the first time as a member of the Mavericks on Tuesday and was asked about his social media.
Someone noted that Irving deleted his apology note that came after his suspension by the Brooklyn Nets for posting a link to a movie on Amazon that spread anti-Semitic disinformation. He was suspended eight games before returning to the team.
Irving explained why it was removed from his page.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
«Yeah, I delete a lot of stuff on my Instagram,» she said. «I’ve had things happen before in my life, probably not as drastic as at the time, which led to a lot of confusion. And uncertain, I felt like in what I wanted to say and what I stand for. I just sit on these microphones and I explain to the world who I am, and I know who I am. So I delete things all the time, and it’s not disrespectful to anyone within the community. I just live my life.»
Despite removing it, Irving says he still stands by what he said in the apology. He also criticized the media for not investigating enough to see that he has Jewish members of his family.
«I defend who I am and why I apologized,» he explained. «I did it because I care about my family. And I have Jewish family members who care deeply about me. Did the media know that in advance when they called me that anti-Semitic word? No. Did they know anything about my family? No. Everything it was taken over, it all shut down before I had anything to say. And I reacted instead of responding emotionally and honestly. I didn’t need to be defensive or go to anyone. So I stand by my apologies and stand by my people everywhere. All walks of life. All races, all religions.»
KYRIE IRVING FINALLY APOLOGIZES AFTER NETS SUSPENSION: ‘I’M DEEPLY SORRY I CAUSED YOU PAIN’
Irving’s apology was published in early November, when he took «full responsibility» for his actions.
«While researching YHWH, I released a documentary containing some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish race/religion, and I take full responsibility for my actions,» Irving wrote. .» I’m grateful to have a great platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward by having an open dialogue to learn more and grow from this.
“To all the Jewish families and communities who are hurt and affected by my post, I am deeply sorry for causing you pain and I apologize. I initially reacted on the thrill of being unfairly labeled an anti-Semite, rather than focusing on healing. process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters who were hurt by the hateful comments made in the Documentary.
ADAM SILVER SAYS KYRIE IRVING IS ‘CERTAINLY’ NOT ANTI-SEMITIST: REPORT
«I want to clear up any confusion about my position on fighting anti-Semitism (sic) by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the documentary that I agreed and disagreed with. I had no intentions of disrespecting any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuating any hatred. I am learning from this unfortunate event and I hope that we can find understanding between all of us. I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I am.»
During his suspension, Irving sat down with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who is Jewish, and the latter came away with the impression that the All-Star guard was not anti-Semitic.
«He’s someone I’ve known for a decade, and I’ve never heard an anti-Semitic word from him or, frankly, hate directed at any group,» Silver told The New York Times.
«Whether it’s anti-Semitic or not is not relevant to the harm caused by posting hateful content.»
Irving’s time with the Nets over the past four seasons has been nothing short of tumultuous. Prior to this, his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 led to him missing a substantial number of home games last season due to New York City restrictions. He ended up playing just 29 games in the regular season.
He also lost time during the 2020-21 campaign due to civil unrest in the country.
Now with the Mavericks, Irving is looking forward to the new opportunity, saying he’s «just going to focus on what I can control.»
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Irving is an All-Star starter this year after averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game for Brooklyn in 40 games.
He will play his first game with Dallas on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers on the road.