Nike suspends Kyrie relationship; shoe launch off

WASHINGTON -- Nike has suspended its narration with Brooklyn Nets prima Kyrie Irving successful the aftermath of the contention surrounding his societal media station astir a publication and movie containing antisemitic tropes, the institution announced Friday night.

Nike besides said it volition nary longer motorboat Irving's caller shoe, the Kyrie 8. The shoe, Irving's eighth with the company, had been slated for a November 8 release.

"At Nike, we judge determination is nary spot for hatred code and we condemn immoderate signifier of antisemitism," Nike said successful a prepared statement. "We are profoundly saddened and disappointed by the concern and its interaction connected everyone."

Irving's woody with Nike was initially acceptable to expire connected Oct. 1, 2023. His signature enactment with Nike, which helium has had since 2014, is 1 of Nike's astir lucrative existent subordinate bid successful caller years, down lone LeBron James' signature series. Irving's shoes are besides among the most-worn crossed the league.

Irving, 30, was suspended by the Nets connected Thursday nighttime for astatine slightest 5 games without wage aft failing to formally apologize for his station and failing to clarify whether helium held antisemitic beliefs.

Irving apologized successful an Instagram station aboriginal that night, penning successful part: "To All Jewish families and Communities that are wounded and affected from my post, I americium profoundly atrocious to person caused you symptom and I apologize."

On Friday evening, respective players were wearing Kyrie-branded shoes. Going forward, it remains to beryllium seen if Nike volition petition existent endorsing athletes to halt wearing anterior Kyrie sneakers successful games altogether.

ESPN's Nick DePaula contributed to this report.