Kyrie Irving deleted apology for sharing 'false, antisemitic statements' as trade from Nets materialized

Kyrie Irving is officially no longer a member of the Brooklyn Nets, and it looks like he might have rethought his feelings about antisemitism on his way out.

You might remember how the newest member of the Dallas Mavericks ignited the biggest controversy of the NBA season when he posted and repeatedlydefended a documentary riddled with antisemitic falsehoods and conspiracy theories, such as a false quote from Adolf Hitler, whose name was misspelled.

That saga ended with Irving receiving a suspension from the Nets that eventually lasted eight games and, among other things, issuing an apology to the Jewish community for circulating a documentary that "contained some false, anti-Semitic statements."

Well, The Athletic's Sam Amick noted in a podcast published Tuesday that Irving recently deleted said apology as his demanded trade from the Nets to the Mavericks materialized.

The fact that Irving did so quietly makes it hard to judge his intent, but you have to question what about such a statement made him no longer want it on his Instagram feed. For posterity, here's the full deleted apology:

While doing research on YHWH, 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. I am grateful to have a big platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward by having an open dialogue to learn more and grow from this.

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. I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am.

KYRIE

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That apology came around the time the Nets issued a list of requirements for Irving to return, such as completing sensitivity training and meeting with Jewish leaders in the Brooklyn community. The All-Star guard was also asked to make a verbal apology through the media, but never did so.

As Irving returned, it was reported that Irving's requirements evolved as he took ownership of the process, drawing praise from the National Basketball Players Association, of which he is a vice president:

"Kyrie is continuing his journey of dialogue and education," NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio told ESPN on Wednesday night. "He has been grappling with the full weight of the impact of his voice and actions, particularly in the Jewish community. Kyrie rejects Antisemitism in any form, and he's dedicated to bettering himself and increasing his level of understanding. He plans to continue this journey well into the future to ensure that his words and actions align with his pursuit of truth and knowledge."

It's unclear if Irving deleting his apology will receive any attention from the NBA or the Mavericks, whose owner Mark Cuban is Jewish. Irving's reputation hit an all-time low in the aftermath of his defending the documentary, but recovered enough in the months after that several teams were apparently interested in acquiring himonce his trade demand from the Nets was made public.