Nike have confirmed that they are unlikely to rebuild a relationship with Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving after the 30-year-old's recent controversies.
Nike's co-founder Phil Knight told CNBC: "I would doubt that we go back. But I don't know for sure", after the company announced that they had suspended their deal with Irving last week following his decision to share anti-semitic material on his social media platforms.
Irving remains suspended by his own team after he shared the documentary 'Hebrews to Ne*****: Wake Up Black America', before not apologising in a number of interviews given with media sessions after sharing the film. The film includes Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories about Jewish people.
Irving would even defend his decision to share the film, before eventually apologising after talks with the Brooklyn Nets, following their announcement to suspend time. He will also not be paid in the time that he remains suspended, which was a minimum of five games.
After their announcement to suspend Irving, Nike also confirmed that they would not be releasing his new signature shoe 'Kyrie 8'.
In their original announcement, Nike stated: "At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism," a statement read. "To that end, we’ve made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8."
Irving will now have to complete six requirements before returning to the Nets, including, an apology which he has already posted, donations to anti-hate causes, completing sensitivity and anti-semitism training and meeting with ADL and Jewish leaders as well as meeting with the Nets owner, Joe Tsai.
In his apology, Irving said: "To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize. I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary.
"I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti- semticism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with.
"I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all."
He added that the film: "contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibly for my actions."
