Nike Officially Parts Ways With Kyrie Irving Amid Brooklyn Nets Star's Antisemitism Scandal

By Rick Martin Dec 05 2022, 20:36 PM EST

Kyrie Irving was once one of Nike's top shoe sellers. However, after the controversial Brooklyn Nets star posted a Twitter link to an antisemitic documentary, the sports apparel company decided to cut ties with the basketball star.

A Nike representative confirmed with CNN, "Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike (NKE) athlete."

Shetellia Riley, Irving's stepmother and agent, stated that the move was a mutual decision, saying that both parties agreed to mutually depart ways.

They parted ways as Nike's rival Adidas did the same with Kanye West for his antisemitic views. Irving never apologized for posting the link to the antisemitic movie.

Following the termination of his deal with Nike, Irving took to Twitter to thank anybody who spent money on anything he released and said they are considered family.

Nike suspended their relationship with Kyrie Irving as the antisemitic scandal unfolded. Nike co-founder Phil Knight stated that Irving "stepped over the line" when he refused to apologize, and added, "he made some statements that we just can't abide by and that's why we ended the relationship."

Nike went as far as suspending the upcoming Kyrie Irving 8 shoe as soon as they announced the Brooklyn Nets guard's suspension.

Kyrie Irving Now a Sneaker Free Agent

Kyrie Irving seems to be happy with parting ways with Nike, posting videos and gifs on social media about becoming "free."

The Nets star received much criticism for his opinions and refused to apologize for his posts at first until finally apologizing. However, many anti-hate groups considered it too little, too late.

Irving himself is left without a huge shoe deal, as his contract with Nike was reportedly worth over $10 million per season. NBC Sports reported that the contract was supposed to run from 2014 to October 2023.

However, there have been reports that even before his antisemitic views came to light, Nike was not planning to extend their deal following its expiry next year.

Irving had been in hot water before his antisemitic scandal, namely his anti-vaxxer views, as he refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19, therefore missing plenty of home games last season as New York required players to get vaccinated.

Nike May Replace Kyrie Irving With Memphis Grizzlies Star

With Nike already ending their contract with Kyrie Irving, the company seems to be looking to the future. According to SB Nation's Nets Daily, the shoe brand may be looking to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant as their next guy.

It was reported that Morant is in line to receive his own signature shoe line and would essentially replace the Kyrie Irving line.

There is no word yet if other shoe companies are interested in signing Irving, especially with his antisemitic and anti-vaxxer views coming to light.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Nike cuts ties with Kyrie Irving - CBS New York