Kyrie, Nets to donate $500K each to anti-hate causes

The Brooklyn Nets and guard Kyrie Irving will each donate $500,000 to organizations that aim to eradicate hate and intolerance, the two parties said in a joint statement with the Anti-Defamation League on Wednesday.

The announcement comes nearly a week after Irving shared a link on Twitter to a film that contains anti-Semitic tropes. He eventually took down the post following significant backlash.

"I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day," said Irving. "I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility.

"I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen."

Nets owner Joe Tsai was among those to criticize Irving for the post, saying he was "disappointed" in his star point guard.

Irving took offense Saturday when pressed by ESPN's Nick Friedell on his "promotion" of the documentary, abruptly shutting the reporter down and leaving his press conference. He hasn't been made available to the media since.

The National Basketball Players Association released a statement Tuesday condemning anti-Semitism but did not mention Irving - a vice president of the union - by name.

During Brooklyn's home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, fans were seen sitting courtside wearing "Fight Anti-Semitism" shirts.