Kyrie Irving and Nike have officially parted ways.
Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike athlete, Nike spokesperson says. The sides have parted ways one month after Nike suspended its relationship with the Nets star. Irving has one of most popular signatures shoes in the NBA and is now a sneaker free agent.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 5, 2022
The announcement follows after Irving was under fire for sharing an antisemitic film on his social platform without further context.
The public was forced to come to their own conclusions, and Irving began to draw increasing criticism.
Irving was then suspended in November by Nike, a company he has been involved with since 2011.
Additionally, the Kyrie 8, which was projected to release early last month was also canceled.
“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism,” Nike said in a statement, according to CNBC. “We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the situation and its impact on everyone.”
Nike has since doubled down and decided that its split with Irving will be permanent.
“Kyrie Irving is no longer a Nike athlete,” the company said in a statement, according to ABC News.
As for Irving, he appears unphased by the announcement.
The Brooklyn Nets star took to Twitter following the announcement of the severed relationship with one of the top sports brands in the world.
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) December 5, 2022
“Anyone who has even spent their hard earned money on anything I have ever released, I consider you FAMILY and we are forever connected. It’s time to show how powerful we are as a community,” Irving wrote in a later tweet.
Anyone who has even spent their hard earned money on anything I have ever released, I consider you FAMILY and we are forever connected.
it’s time to show how powerful we are as a community.🤞🏾♾
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) December 5, 2022
Irving’s endorsement deal with Nike reportedly earned him $11 million per year, according to Bleacher Report.
His deal would have expired in 2023.
In other news, it is rumored Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant could be next in line to create a signature shoe with Nike.
Both parties have been in talks for several months.