Kyrie Irving’s statement on Instagram Friday about his fine from the league ruffled some feathers, particularly his closing remarks.
“I pray we utilize the ‘fine money’ for the marginalized communities in need, especially seeing where our world is presently. (I am) I am here for Peace, Love, and Greatness. So stop distracting me and my team and appreciate the Art. We move different over here.
“I do not talk to Pawns. My attention is worth more.”
Among those who responded to Irving’s comments was former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Kevin Love. While he didn’t try to go after Irving, he made it clear he does not agree with is old teammate.
“I’m thankful that we’re all working, you guys are all working,” Love told Cleveland reporters on Friday, per Cleveland 19. “I think that goes without saying right now. I love this game. We’ve been able to pull this off, we’re still able to do this.
“I’m sorry I’m getting deep with this like Kyrie does, but at the end of the day … I just feel like every man, every woman is my superior and that I can learn with them. That’s just how my curiosity really works, and I don’t have fear with that. I’ve talked about not having prejudice with that, I try to live by those words. That’s how I feel. I think that calling anybody a ‘pawn’ is a sure sign of disrespect.”
Love also added:
“I understand where Kyrie is coming from in trying to better a number of people’s lives, but I’m just not a divisive person, so that’s where I stand on that. I love Kyrie. I know he’s changed, (don’t know) what’s going on, but again I’m just not a divisive person. I believe everybody has a part to play, so long as the intent’s there and it comes from a good place.”
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