OREGON – Nike Inc said on Monday it has cut ties with Kyrie Irving, a month after suspending its relationship with the Brooklyn Nets star in the aftermath of his promotion of an anti-Semitic documentary.
Irving faced heavy criticism after he posted a link to the 2018 documentary film on Twitter in late October and later defended the post. The seven-time All Star has since deleted the post and apologised.
Irving could not be immediately reached for comment on Monday.
The sportswear giant in November cancelled its next Irving-branded shoe release. Several media outlets have reported the sneaker deal to be worth US$11 million (S$14.91 million), but Reuters could not confirm that.
Adidas AG also ended its high-profile partnership with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, in late October after a series of anti-Semitic remarks from the rapper.
Irving returned to play for The Nets last month, ending a team-imposed eight-game suspension after the player said he had been on a “learning journey” and was not anti-Semitic. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) said it supported Irving’s return to the court.
Last year saw the largest number of anti-Semitic incidents, including murder, physical assaults, harassment and vandalism, in the US since the Anti-Defamation League began collecting records 40 years ago, the racism watchdog said in its most recent annual audit.
The White House will address rising anti-Semitism in a roundtable event with Jewish leaders on Wednesday.
