Kyrie Irving has ruffled a lot of feathers over the last few weeks by not fulfilling his obligations of talking to the media during the Nets media week. He also called media members “pawns” after he was fined $25,000 for avoiding the media.
Irving explained his recent actions and comments in interviews on Monday when he spoke with the media for the first time this season, but his answers still haven’t satisfied some people.
One of those people clearly miffed by Irving’s actions over the last few weeks is Charles Barkley.
The NBA on TNT host appeared on Keyshawn Johnson and Jay Williams’ show on ESPN radio on Thursday and was asked about Irving’s recent comments and behavior. He did not pull any punches.
He talked about how part of Irving’s job is to talk with the media and that he was doing a disservice to everyone by not doing that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAYWBDwHGyw
“And when he talks I’m like ‘what the hell is he trying… what is he saying and what is he trying to say?’ He starts talking about what an artist is. He’s a basketball player. That’s what he is. Listen, we’re not… we’re not frontline responders. We’re not teachers. Yo man, you dribble a basketball, stop acting like you’re the smartest person in the world…Now can you talk about social issues and things like that? Of course. But some of this other stuff I’m like ‘yo man, you do realize you’re just a basketball player, right?’ And it seems like he’s like ‘no I want you guys to realize I’m the smartest guy in the room.’,”
Ouch. That’s certainly scathing from Barkley. He’s clearly upset about Irving’s recent actions. And it probably goes a bit too far.
Yes, on one hand, Irving’s actions this season have been ridiculous. But, on the other, it is understandable why Irving would try to dodge the media after he was labeled as a disruptor and an agitator over the summer for speaking against the NBA’s return in the middle of a social justice uprising.
That’s something Irving’s critics — including Barkley — should remember before they come down on him too hard.
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