Mavericks' Kyrie Irving stirs up mixed reactions as he wears Palestinian keffiyeh to post-game presser
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving was dressed to make a statement as he arrived for an NBA postgame news conference on November 19. He wore a black-and-white scarf called a keffiyeh, which is a traditional symbol of solidarity with Palestine among activists.
His team Dallas Mavericks lost the game to Milwaukee Bucks 132-125. The All-Star solely discussed the game during the interview, which ended in disappointment for his team after they lost a 10-point fourth-quarter lead.
Irving did not give any explanation for his outfit, nor did he answer any questions about the Israel-Hamas war during the press conference, according to marca.com.
Kyrie Irving's fashion statement supporting Palestine
Though Irving had reportedly converted to Islam in 2021, the headdress is being seen as a pro-Palestine statement, as it was not the first such instance of the week.
On November 17, official photographs on the Mavericks' social media showed Irving at practice wearing basketball shoes with the message "No More Genocide" written on them. He is signed with the Chinese shoe brand ANTA after Nike terminated his contract.
Kyrie Irving has been accused of antisemitism in the past
In November 2022, Irving shared a link to a documentary on social media that he later admitted contained "some false antisemitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion."
He was suspended from seven games without pay as a member of the Brooklyn Nets and lost his business relationship with Nike as a result. Irving did, however, later apologize to the communities he hurt with the post. The player and the team later announced that each would donate $500,000 to anti-hate causes.
Internet divided over Kyrie Irving wearing keffiyeh
"❤️ That’s how we should roll," posted a user in appreciation.
"Kyrie was never afraid of losing money to stand up for what’s right. Many can learn from him," stated another.
Kyrie was never afraid of losing money to stand up for what’s right. Many can learn from him
— Meeno (@Meeno1209) November 19, 2023
"I got so much respect for Kyrie. This man stands for something no matter the consequence," echoed a third.
I got so much respect for Kyrie. This man stands for something no matter the consequence.
— Calvin Johnson (@CalvinJ85715439) November 19, 2023
"They are going to kick this man out of the league," commented a fourth.
They are going to kick this man out of the league.
— Bushido Brown🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑 (@CucamongaKilla) November 20, 2023
"Dumb move," retorted a user.
"F**kin 🤡" was the opinion of another.
