It’s been a while since Kyrie Irving has been under the radar for his antisemitic statements. The Nets guard’s decision to share a link to the Amazon documentary Hebrews to Negr**s: Wake Up Black America caused a massive stir, given the content hurt the Jewish community.
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What made matters worse for Irving refusing to apologize for the longest time. Amid the public ire, the Nets management decided to levy heavy punishments on the former champion post an 8-game suspension.
The Nets have stated the conditions for Kyrie Irving’s return, per @ShamsCharania
👉 Apologize/condemn movie
💵 $500K donation to anti-hate causes
😶 Sensitivity training
🤝 Antisemitic training
🕍 Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
🤵 Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding pic.twitter.com/wqs2zRdCFw— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 6, 2022
Though Irving did tender a public apology, many felt it was forced and too late. The 30-year-old had many calling him out to be canceled. With the public sentiment being highly negative against Kai, sports apparel giant Nike decided to cut their long-time association with him.
Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike athlete, Nike spokesperson says. The sides have parted ways one month after Nike suspended its relationship with the Nets star. Irving has one of most popular signatures shoes in the NBA and is now a sneaker free agent.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 5, 2022
Also read: Amidst $11 Million Nike Contract Loss, Kyrie Irving Drops 29 In Skechers and Hanes Socks
Currently a sneaker-free agent, Irving had everyone take notice of his footwear during the Nets vs. Hornets game on Wednesday.
Kyrie Irving kick-starts a new controversy.
Controversy’s favorite child, Kyrie Irving, was back at it again, this time, courtesy of his relationship with Nike ending. The former champion had strong messages written on his latest kicks, which did have the impression of the Nike logo.
The Nets guard was wearing The Kyrie 3 Raygun with a piece of tape covering the swoosh logo.
Kyrie Irving’s kicks on the court tonight after his endorsement deal with Nike has ended 👀
(via: @NickDePaula) pic.twitter.com/hbQo4Yw9aZ
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) December 8, 2022
Kyrie Irving wrote “I AM FREE” and “LOGO HERE” over the Swoosh on his shoes in his first game after splitting with Nike 😳 pic.twitter.com/Vc3itXCgXW
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) December 8, 2022
“Logo Here” and “I AM FREE. Thank you God… I AM.”
Kyrie Irving’s Nikes tonight vs. the Hornets 👀 pic.twitter.com/4a81wntnXg
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 8, 2022
Irving made a handsome $11 million per annum from his association with Nike.
per @ShamsCharania, Nike and Kyrie Irving have officially parted ways.
A month ago, Nike suspended Irving and would not launch his Kyrie 8 signature shoe.
Irving’s shoe deal is one of the NBA’s top ten, with an average annual value of nearly $11 million. pic.twitter.com/pQ6B43nlyU
— Sportico (@Sportico) December 5, 2022
Ja Morant to replace Kyrie Irving.
According to the latest reports, Nike has already found a replacement for Uncle Drew, and it is none other than upcoming superstar and Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.
Ja Morant is replacing Kyrie Irving as one of the faces of Nike.
Morant is next in line to get his own shoe, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/lzs8dS4nGH
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) December 5, 2022
Given the box office draw of Big 12, one can be rest assured of Nike already receiving inquiries regarding the availability of the shoes. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if the company renews its ties with Irving anytime in the future.
