Wizards' Deni Avdija, NBA's lone Jewish player, addresses Kyrie Irving controversy
WASHINGTON – Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija is the only Jewish player on an NBA roster.
With the Brooklyn Nets suspending star Kyrie Irving at least five games without pay for refusing to “unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film” titled “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake up Black America,” Avdija spoke out.
“There needs to (be) consequences for the actions that players do. It needs to be known there’s no room for words like that,” Avdija, a third-year player, told reporters following Brooklyn’s 128-86 victory against Washington on Friday.
Avdija, who was born in Israel to a Jewish mom and dad who was born in Yugoslavia, became the highest draft pick from Israel when the Wizards selected him No. 9 in 2020.
“I think he made a mistake,” Avdija said. “But you need to understand he gives an example to people and people look up to him. You can think whatever you want, you can do whatever you want, (but) I don’t think it’s right to go out in public and publish it – and little kids that follow, you see it, and generations to come after it to think like that – because it’s not true. I don’t think it’s fair.
“Hopefully, he’s sorry for what he said.
“I love my culture. I love my country, and it’s a little upsetting to hear some stuff about your religion.”
Nike suspends relationship with Kyrie: 'We are deeply saddened and disappointed'
Irving apologizes to Jewish community: 'I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain'
The Wizards annually host a Jewish Heritage night and have Twitter and Instagram accounts in Hebrew for Israeli fans.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deni Avdija on Kyrie Irving controversy: 'No room for words like that'
