Kyrie, Nets to Donate to Anti-Hate Causes

In the wake of Kyrie Irving's controversial social media post about a book and movie that promoted anti-Semitic views, the All-Star guard and the Brooklyn Nets will each donate $500,000 towards causes and organizations working to eradicate hate and intolerance.

Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League released a joint statement, Wednesday night, announcing the donations.

"I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day," Irving said in the statement. "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. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light."

Irving initially posted about the movie, "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America," late last week. He defended the post in a news conference Saturday, saying that he wouldn't "stand down" on what he believes in while declining to say whether he held anti-Semitic beliefs.

"There is no room for antisemitism, racism, false narratives or misguided attempts to create animosity and hate," Sam Zussman, CEO of BSE Global, the parent company of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, said in the joint statement. "Now, more than ever, there is a pressing need to ensure education in these areas. We are putting our prior statements into practice because actions speak louder than words."

Irving's post has since been condemned by Nets owner Joe Tsai, and the NBA responded by issuing a statement decrying hate speech.

Irving has not spoken publicly since Saturday night, and it remains unclear when he will do so again.