Fan says Jazz told them to put away pro-Jewish signs for Kyrie Irving
Mar 5, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (2) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Four rabbis who attended Monday’s Utah Jazz game against the Dallas Mavericks say they were told to put away their pro-Jewish signs after Kyrie Irving complained.
Avremi Zippel, a rabbi in Salt Lake City, Utah, wrote about his experience via X. He says Irving commented to the rabbis about their signs and then told Mavericks security about it.
“Kyrie saw the signs. At the 9:40 mark of the first quarter, he commented ‘no need to bring that to a game,'” Zippel wrote.
“At the next timeout he went to Mavs security.
“Jazz officials came over and CHECKED OUR TICKETS.
“We were told to put the signs away.”
We may have brought four Rabbis to sit courtside tonight… pic.twitter.com/mRzPPUoOZf
— Avremi Zippel (@UtahRabbi) January 2, 2024
The Jazz issued a statement regarding the matter. They said that the fans violated their code of conduct. The violation states that if a sign causes a distraction or interaction with a player, the fan will be asked to remove the sign. Zippel thinks the Jazz were just covering for Irving.
I think the rules are that if someone else mentions me, I get a chance to respond.
The Jazz released this head-scratching statement about the “I’m a Jew and I’m proud” signs, and I legit don’t know where to begin.
So here’s some thoughts:
— Avremi Zippel (@UtahRabbi) January 3, 2024
The signs from the rabbis were messages intended for Irving over what transpired in late 2022.
Irving was suspended by his team at the time, the Brooklyn Nets, for promoting a video that contained antisemitic content. Irving eventually apologized but his relationship with the Nets was effectively over, and he was later traded to the Mavericks.
H/T TMZ Sports