When he was confronted with the film’s ugly untruths, Irving claimed he was no bigot and that he sought “to learn from all walks of life and religions.” After Irving was challenged by a reporter, he said he wasn’t promoting the film, but he concluded, “I can post whatever I want.” Irving’s stubborn refusal to apologize led to an indefinite suspension by the Brooklyn Nets, a belated apology and a meeting with Adam Silver, the commissioner of the N.B.A. After their conversation, Silver said that in over a decade of association with Irving, “I’ve never heard an antisemitic word from...