'We stand with him': Kyrie Irving fans back NBA player after Nike cuts ties over antisemitic post
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nike and NBA star Kyrie Irving ended their business partnership on Monday, December 5, capping off their years-long association. The move comes after Nike suspended the relationship and canceled the release of the Brooklyn Nets point guard's upcoming Kyrie 8 signature shoe after Irving shared a link to an antisemitic book and film on social media.
“Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike athlete,” Nike said in a statement. "Kyrie stepped over the line. It's kind of that simple," Nike co-founder Phil Knight told CNBC on November 10. "He made some statements that we just can't abide by, and that's why we ended the relationship. I was fine with that." However, Shetellia Riley Irving, Irving's agent, referred to the choice as mutual. She said, "We have mutually decided to part ways and wish Nike the best in their future endeavors."
