Basketball Ireland chiefs begin probe into CEO O’Byrne's social media post on Sterling 'dive'
APOLOGY: Basketball Ireland CEO Bernard O'Byrne has wholeheartedly apologised for a sociial media post on Raheem Sterling's penalty decision in midweek, but BI wil conduct a full investigation into the matter, they say.
Basketball Ireland has said it is "fully aware of the gravity" of the controversy swirling around its chief executive Bernard O'Byrne' arising from an ill-judged social media post on Raheem Sterling's penalty award at Euro 2020.
BI CEO Bernard O’Byrne apologised "wholeheartedly" for the Facebook post published in the wake of England's Euro 2020 win over Denmark.
The post, a comment on a news article about Raheem Sterling winning a controversial penalty, was described by O'Byrne as an "error of judgement".
BI's Board met Friday to discuss the comments and confirmed it is following internal processes and conducting a full investigation.
"Inclusion and diversity is inherent within basketball in Ireland, it is part of the fabric of Basketball Ireland and the Board want to reaffirm its commitment to both. Our clubs, players, coaches and volunteers throughout the country work so hard in their communities, embracing all, and this continues to be the case."
Basketball Ireland chairman, Paul McDevitt, said: “The Board of Basketball Ireland held an emergency meeting today. We are fully aware of the gravity of the situation. We cannot comment on our ongoing internal investigation and would urge patience while this is completed.”
Earlier O'Byrne, who has been a progressive CEO for the sport, explained: “My choice of words commenting on a penalty incident were not thought out. It was an error of judgement and I wholeheartedly apologise for the comments,”
In a statement, Basketball Ireland said it "would like to stress its ongoing commitment to inclusion and basketball’s diverse community, which has been led by Mr O’Byrne in recent years".
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