NBA superstar Kyrie Irving has made an incredible donation of $65,000 (£54,600) to Shanquella Robinson’s family following her unexplained and untimely death.
The North Carolina businesswoman passed away in Cabo on October 29. According to CBS News, Mexican prosecutors have opened an investigation into her death.
Robinson’s death certificate allegedly lists the cause of death as ‘severe spinal cord injury and atlas lunation’ after Queen City News claimed to have obtained the document. Her group - in Cabo to celebrate a friend’s birthday - reportedly called the concierge for help, who then called for medical assistance only for Robinson to pass away 15 minutes ager her injury.
Following the death of the hairstylist, Robinson’s family set up a GoFundME campaign to raise funds for her funeral and other expenses. The fundraiser has raised over $261,000 (£219,000) with a goal of $300,000 (£252,000).
Her sister, Quilla Long, wrote in the description: “We face a tremendous unexpected financial burden and a great deal of pain as we prepare to lay my sister to rest. Any support you can contribute to our legal fees and other critical expenses is greatly appreciated.”
More than 3,200 donors have come forward to help her family in such tragic times. Brooklyn Nets star guard Irving is the top donor so far after he donated twice; first with $50,000 (£42,057) and a second donation of $15,000 (£12,617).
Irving was suspended by the Nets for five games without pay after he failed to apologise for sharing a link to an antisemitic film on social media. The seven-time All-Star refused to ‘unequivocally say he has no antisemitic views’ despite having numerous opportunities to do so.
Following Irving’s controversial post, the NBA released a statement labelling hate speech ‘unacceptable’ and the direct opposite to the league’s ‘values of equality, inclusion and respect’. In a contentious postgame interview session a couple days after he posted the link, Irving defended his right to post what he wants to his own social media channels.
Eventually, Irving took to Instagram after the Nets had announced the suspension. He was asked to work through six steps on a potential path forward back to the Nets. The Nets told him to apologise, make a $500,000 donation to anti-hate causes and also complete sensitivity training and antisemitic training. The franchise have also requested him to meet with ADL, Jewish community leaders in Brooklyn, and finally with owner Joe Tsai to truly showcase the work he has put in.
Irving was averaging 26.9 points per game to go with 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists before his suspension and the the Nets currently sit at 7-9. After missing eight games due to team suspension upon his reluctance to denounce his antisemitic stances, Irving is finally expected to play and be back in action on Sunday at home vs Memphis Grizzlies.
