Kyrie Irving finally issued an apology Saturday for all of the controversy surrounding him, and as such, was cleared to return to the Brooklyn Nets Sunday after an eight game suspension.
Prior to the game, Kyrie apologized again publicly, saying in an emotional speech that he now understands “it’s not just a solo act for me to try to change things.”
“I’m grateful we could all share space today, because this is a moment in history I’ll remember forever, because of the impact that all of this has made on our world and cultures, not only here in America but abroad,” Irving said. “Right now we’re just here to really take this effort to make a more equal and fair world, take it up in arms and all pray. It’s not just a solo act for me to try to take on the burdens of the world and change things, and I have to be aware of that.”
And then came the actual apology.
“All that being said, I just want to offer my deep apologies to all those who were impacted over these last few weeks, specifically my Jewish relatives, my Black relatives, all races and cultures,” he said. “I feel like we all felt the impact. I don’t stand for anything close to hate speech, anti-Semitism or anything that is going against the human race.”
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Kyrie confirmed his intent was never harmful, but he understands now that he handled the situation poorly at the outset.
“I feel like we all should have an opportunity to speak for ourselves when things are assumed about us, and I felt it was necessary for me to stand in this place and take account for my actions because there was a way I should’ve handed all this,” he said. “As I reflect, when I had the opportunity to offer my deep regrets to anyone who felt hurt or threatened by what I posted – that wasn’t my intent at all, I meant no harm for any person or group.”
He then called the entire situation a learning process he hopes will help him understand further how much weight his words and actions can carry.
“This is a big moment for me, because I’m able to learn throughout this process that the power of my voice is very strong, and the influence I have in my community is very strong, and I want to be responsible for that,” Irving said. “In order to do that, you have to admit when you’re wrong, and in instances where you hurt people and it impacts them.”
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And, he finished with some clarifications of who he is, what he stands for, and how he is seen.
“I just wanted to clarify some things on my end. When I was searching the documentary, I was searching for my name, and a deeper understanding of my heritage. My name is Kyrie Irving, my mom named me that for a reason, and I’m here to take on this ongoing dialogue of where we need to go with this conversation between all communities that want to see change in our world,” he said. “I’m grateful to know that I sit here and I’m supported and loved by my family and all my friends, because they know I represent something bigger out here in the world. I’m a man of peace; I have integrity and sacred honor amongst all those I’m around, and we hold true this peaceful oath to be there for each other in times like this. I’m grateful that I have a great support system around me.”
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