While Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has been widely chastised for sharing an anti-Semitic film on his social media account, one University of Miami football legend has come out in support of the embattled star.
Ed Reed is facing backlash for his support of Kyrie Irving
Before, Irving tweeted a link to the 2018 film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” last month. The film is riddled with anti-Semitic content, including the notion that the Holocaust’s history is exaggerated.
Ed Reed, a pro football Hall of Fame safety and senior advisor to the University of Miami football team, issued a series of controversial tweets in support of Irving after he was suspended for promoting the anti-Semitic film.
Reed wrote in a tweet that has since been deleted: “These boys making business decisions, not worried about the people! I stand with #KyrieIrving.”
Reed declared: “We are harmed everyday! Stop acting as if Black folk are not treated worse than any.”
Reed’s tweet in support of Irving sparked outrage online, with many of Reed’s followers demanding that he remove it. Reed responded to one tweet with, “[I] Post what I want sucka.” Reed disagreed with others who accused Irving of being anti-Semitic.
One user chastised Reed for implying that Black people have it worse, telling him that violence and hatred towards any community should be condemned. “This isn’t the Oppression Olympics,” the user said, encouraging Reed to meet with UM Hillel to better understand the Jewish struggle.
On November 2, Irving and the Nets announced, with the support of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), that they will each donate $500,000 to organizations dedicated to fighting hate.
The ADL decided to reject Irving’s donation after a November 3 press conference in which he appeared evasive about issuing a formal apology, and the Nets announced that he would be suspended for at least five games.
The NBA and the players union issued statements condemning anti-Semitism, and Brooklyn Nets owner Joseph Tsai weighed in, saying he was disappointed in Kyrie.
Irving formally apologized for “the negative impact of [his] post towards the Jewish community” after he was suspended. According to Nets management, he must complete several tasks before rejoining the team, including meetings with the ADL and Jewish leaders.
When reached for comment, a university athletics spokesperson told New Times that UM is aware of the post and that the issue has been resolved.
“The University of Miami and its department of athletics stand unequivocally against any words or acts of anti-Semitism or hateful rhetoric that maligns any community,” UM said in a statement. “What makes Miami strong is our commitment to inclusivity and diversity of backgrounds, experiences and thoughts. There is no place in our community for those who espouse hate or for those who encourage it.”
