Kyrie Irving Tweets 'Being Free' Image After Nike Deal Ends

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving spoke out after Nike terminated their partnership due to his controversial social media post several weeks ago.

Irving is fairly known for discussing conspiracy theories off the court and at the end of October, he posted a link on his social media to a documentary—titled Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America—that has been criticized for being antisemitic.

Irving's endorsement of the film sparked a backlash from many, including the NBA, the Nets team owner, and several Jewish organizations. He was suspended from playing, and his relationship with Nike—of which Irving was a partner and created a signature line of basketball shoes—was suspended.

There have been other instances of antisemitism recently, most notably from rapper Kanye West, who now only goes by Ye. Last week, Ye spoke on Alex Jones' podcast about his beliefs, after making comments for several months that many have continuously deemed antisemitic. On the podcast, Ye stated that he "liked Hitler" before adding, "Every human being has something of value that they brought to the table, especially Hitler."

NBA insider Shams Charania tweeted on Monday, however, that "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."

Nike confirmed the news with Newsweek, saying, "Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike athlete."

According to CNBC, a representative for Irving stated that the termination was mutual, telling the station, "We have mutually decided to part ways and wish Nike the best in their future endeavors."

On Monday, Irving seemed to indirectly respond to the news, tweeting a gif in which the caption read, "There's nothing more priceless than being free."

In a separate tweet, he wrote, "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."

After Irving was suspended from playing in the NBA, Lakers star LeBron James came to his defense, writing on Twitter, "I told you guys that I don't believe in sharing hurtful information. And I'll continue to be that way but Kyrie apologized and he should be able to play. That's what I think. It's that simple. Help him learn- but he should be playing. What he's asked to do to get back on...the floor I think is excessive IMO. He's not the person that's being portrayed of him."

Irving first initially refused to acknowledge that his actions may have been antisemitic, but later posted an apology on Instagram: "While doing research on YHWH [Yahweh, name for the God of the Israelites], I posted a Documentary that 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."

He added, "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."

However, the Nets released a statement later that they were "dismayed" by Irving's refusal to "unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film."

Newsweek reached out to a representative for Irving for additional comment.

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