Advocacy groups hope controversy won’t follow Kyrie Irving to Dallas

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – adding Kyrie Irving to the Mavs roster draws controversy – this is due to his track record off the court, which included several major controversies.

There is no doubt that Irving’s record has excited Mavs fans.

“It’s incredibly exciting,” said Mavs fan Robert Loades. “This takes the Mavericks to a whole other level of their potential for another championship.”

But along with dreams of another national championship trophy comes some worries about Irving’s off-court results. He missed several games last season due to vaccination refusal. Earlier this season, the Brooklyn Nets suspended him for eight games for posting a link to an anti-Semitic film on social media. Initially refusing to apologize, he eventually expressed remorse to the Jewish community.

Anna Salton Eisen, founder of the Beth Israel congregation in Colleyville, said she welcomed Irving.

“I think this is a great chance for him and for us as a community to come forward, and with anti-Semitism on the rise, this could make a real positive difference,” Salton Eisen said.

Both she and Stacey Cushing, regional director of the Texoma Anti-Defamation League, said they hope it will be an opportunity to shed light on hatred and ignorance.

“We take his word for it that he has done the work and he is going to continue to do the work that is needed to be an advocate for everyone and stand up and fight hate,” Cushing said.

Salton Eisen, the daughter of two Holocaust survivors, said that as a fan of the Mavs, she was delighted with the news. And she said she was optimistic that Irving would use his position for good – and to advance education.

“I think he has a great platform and opportunity to spread the message that we need to be aware of all history and the Holocaust and fight against hate with our words and our actions.”

Mary Pat Higgins, President and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, issued a statement about Irving, saying, “The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum welcomes all opportunities to educate groups and individuals who want to learn more about the history of anti-Semitism and its influence today. The museum has a close relationship with the Dallas Mavericks and we look forward to continuing to serve as a resource for Mavs players, coaches and staff.”