Nike ends Kyrie Irving contract amid antisemitism controversy

Nike has ended its contract with Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving, weeks after Irving posted a link via social media to an antisemitic movie and book, several media outlets are reporting.

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A Nike spokesperson told NPR that “Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike Athlete.”

Irving tweeted Monday: “Anyone who has even spent their hard earned money on anything I have ever released, I consider you FAMILY and we are forever connected. it’s time to show how powerful we are as a community.”

Nike suspended its relationship with Irving a month ago after he linked to the movie and book. At the time, the company said it would no longer release the Kyrie 8 shoe.

Irving was suspended from the Brooklyn Nets for eight games after the incident. During that time, the team told him he had to issue a public apology and meet with local Jewish leaders, among other requirements, to rejoin the team.

He returned to the team on Nov. 20, and issued an apology following the game that day.

Irving has had a deal with Nike since he entered the NBA and has made an estimated $11 million a year since his first signature shoe was released in 2014.

Nike co-founder Phil Knight said after Irving was suspended from the team in November that he doubted the company would continue with the partnership.

“Kyrie stepped over the line. It’s kind of that simple. He made some statements that we just can’t abide by and that’s why we ended the relationship. And I was fine with that.”

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