For the past few weeks or so, it’s debatable whether basketball players were more focused on the NBA finals or Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant’s looming suspension. Fortunately for the fans, once the Denver Nuggets ended the Miami Heat’s season in five games, NBA commissioner Adam Silver wasted no time announcing the final verdict.
Why Nike Cut Ties With Kyrie Irving and Not Ja Morant
Morant’s Suspension
The NBA suspended Ja Morant for 25 games to start the 2023-24 season, likely due to some combination of his Instagram live sessions and other allegations that have plagued him in the past year. These allegations involving supposed firearms and an altercation with a 17-year-old have been well documented by now and have resulted in numerous fans feeling conflicted about his suspension.
Regardless, it’s got to be universally accepted that 25 games is not that bad in the grand scheme of it all. At least Ja can return for 3/4th of the remaining season, playoffs included. Ja also did not lose his largest endorsements, with Nike announcing that they’re sticking with him throughout the process. This obviously benefits Morant but raises an interesting question in the minds of many others.
Why Did Morant Get To Keep His Nike Deal, While Kyrie Irving Lost His?
For anyone who doesn’t remember, Kyrie Irving’s Nike contract was terminated immediately after he shared a link to a movie that allegedly promoted anti-semitism (discrimination towards Jewish people). This meant that his popular shoe + clothing line would no longer be sold on company websites.
It’s important to remember that when this actually happened, the reaction wasn’t as severe. Many felt as if Kyrie deserved it due to his habit of blatantly displaying his displeasure with the league turning many fans against him.
However, much has changed in the NBA landscape since then. Similar incidents (involving players such as Ja) have left people wondering if Kyrie really deserved the harsh sentence that was put upon him, especially when others received a significantly lesser penalty.
Comparing Irving and Morant’s Situations
To understand this comparison to a higher degree, we must first realize the difference in what the two players did. Ja Morant pulling out an alleged gun (whether real or fake) may have come off as questionable at first glance, but it really harms or offends no one. Morant is a famous athlete worth millions of dollars; it would be rather dumb not to have a licensed firearm with him at all times. Specifically when he’s out amongst the general public. Morant also lives in Memphis, Tennessee, where gun laws are not as strict, and open carry is freely allowed. Thus, he really did nothing wrong.
Sure, there is no arguing that as an NBA player making millions, this was rather unnecessary. Ja could’ve and definitely should’ve kept his gun concealed, especially considering all the money he had on the line. With that being said, as previously mentioned, this did not affect anyone negatively in any manner. Morant’s alleged altercation with a 17-year-old did not result in any criminal charges, just a supposed argument between two parties. Again, something that doesn’t affect anyone on the outside looking in. That’s where the difference lies.
Cultural Differences
People must keep in mind that it’s 2023. The social, political, and general climate is much different than what it used to be. Modern-day society promotes acceptance for all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual preference, etc. This attitude encourages prominent larger-scale corporations to market the same type of general acceptance and vehemently speak out against discrimination of any kind they encounter.
That’s where Kyrie went wrong.
Irving sharing a link to a movie on Amazon Prime may seem harmless. Unfortunately, the specific film he chose didn’t sit well with the general public. The movie in question supposedly had a racist reputation, specifically against those who believe in the religion of Judaism.
Cancel Culture
This is a big no-no in 2023, where cancel culture runs rampant. People constantly look for incidents such as this to try and paint individuals and organizations that back them in a bad light. The NBA and Nike are no different. Millions of internet users wasted no time calling out the perceived encouragement of discrimination. Alas, companies have just one option in this scenario. Simply comply with the wish of your consumers, or risk losing their business.
Risking a loss in profit is obviously not a choice that any sensible business owner is willing to take. All they can do now is publicly condemn the individual that sparked the backlash. This is what ended in Nike forcing to cut ties with Kyrie Irving. For celebrities, any support of professed racism or discrimination will end you in terms of brand deals and endorsements. Irving did not consider this beforehand, resulting in the termination of his contract with the company.
The Answer
Now that’s where the exact difference lies, folks. Ja Morant’s decisions sparked the opinions of many, but they did not offend or harm anyone. Large-scale corporations weren’t intensely encouraged to part ways with him. Nobody felt disrespected or discriminated against by his actions. However, they did feel so from Kyrie Irving. That’s the only reason the Nike basketball line no longer carries his merchandise.
