After ending his contract with Nike due to a controversial tweet, Kyrie Irving issued a statement addressing the situation.

The NBA star explained his decision to part ways with the global sportswear giant, acknowledging the tension that had developed following his social media post, which sparked backlash and controversy.

While he did not go into specifics about the reasons for his tweet, Irving emphasized his commitment to standing by his personal beliefs and using his platform to express himself freely.

Irving’s relationship with Nike had been under strain following the incident, with the company taking swift action to suspend its partnership with the athlete.

In his statement, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities Nike had provided over the years, including being part of their signature shoe line, but also highlighted the importance of maintaining authenticity and personal integrity in the face of criticism.

The breakup with Nike marked the end of a long-running collaboration, which had seen Irving become one of the brand’s key ambassadors.