Nike Officially Severs Relationship With Kyrie Irving
Nike Officially Severs Relationship With Kyrie Irving
A month after announcing that the planned sneaker launch of Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving‘s latest signature sneaker was shelved, Nike has officially terminated the contract it had with the explosive athlete.
According to ESPN, the sneaker giant, in a statement to the media outlet said, “Kyrie is no longer a Nike athlete.” The Athletic‘s Shams Charania also reported on the latest news regarding the fractured relationship between the two.
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
As evidenced by a reply to Charania’s tweet, Irving seems unfazed and/or is expressing relief. The talented point guard posted a gif that stated, “Let the party begin.”
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) December 5, 2022
Irving was punished because he tweeted out a link to Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!, a film that some considered anti-Semitic. This took place right before the scheduled release of his Kyrie 8 signature shoe.
Shetellia Riley Irving, who represents Irving as his agent said that the decision to sever ties was a mutual one.
“We have mutually decided to part ways and wish Nike the best in their future endeavors,” she informed CNBC on Monday.
Irving seemingly left a message to fans who supported him by purchasing his sneakers in the past.
“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.”
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.🤞🏾♾
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) December 5, 2022
The Brooklyn Nets had previously suspended the mercurial New Jersey native, stating that Irving was “currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets” for his “failure to disavow antisemitism” after NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed disgust and criticized Irving for not offering “an unqualified apology.”
After serving an eight-game suspension, he was allowed back on the court to resume his playing career.
The Brooklyn Nets released a statement about Irving’s return to active duty.
“Kyrie took ownership of this journey and had conversations with several members of the Jewish community,” the team said in a written statement. “We are pleased that he is going about the process in a meaningful way.”
Nike Officially Severs Relationship With Kyrie Irving
