‘A sure sign of disrespect’

After Keri Irving appeared to call the media “pawns” that did not deserve his “attention” in a post to his Instagram story, former colleague Kevin Love responded.

“I am grateful that we all work, you all do. I think that goes without saying now. Love this game. We were able to make it happen, and we are still able to do it,” Love Reporters on Friday.

“I’m sorry I go deep into this like Kyrie does, but at the end of the day … I just feel like every man, every woman is better than me and I can learn with them. This is how my curiosity really works, and I’m not afraid of it. Being impartial, I try to live by these words. This is how I feel. I think calling anyone a “pawn” is a sure sign of disrespect. “

Irving issued a “media blackout” last Friday in which he indicated in a social media post that he would not be speaking to Nets and hit writers or other reporters this season.

On Thursday, the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that it had imposed a fine of $ 25,000 on Irving and Nets for not speaking to the media “on several occasions.”

Irving then doubled down on his blackout on his Instagram story.

“I’m sick of someone else’s propaganda,” wrote Irving, quoting Malcolm X, as the New York Post notes.

“I’m not talking to pawns. My attention deserves more.”

According to the New York Post, Irving hasn’t spoken to Nets writers since January 4, but that hasn’t stopped him from grabbing the headlines with his words.

In October, Irving made some controversial comments about new Nets coach Steve Nash.

“I don’t really see our head coach,” Irving said on the podcast, “The ETCs With Kevin Durant.” Referring to Durant, he said, “Dr.. He could be a head coach. I could be a head coach. “

Nash recently spoke on Zoom with reporters, and tried to defuse the situation.

“I read what he said, and I think it was one phrase at the end of a bunch of things he said about excitement – about being in the position and training – and then maybe taking another level that looked cool in the headlines,” Nash said. Kevin Durant and Keri Irving. What we dealt with here in a short period of time with how to prepare and play is exciting. I am thrilled to train these guys.

“One phrase I don’t think was necessarily perfect – it didn’t mean the way the press took it, and it doesn’t bother me at all.”

In the podcast, Irving also praised Durant as the first teammate he had ever trusted to take the last shot in a match, which many interpreted as slight LeBron James, who admitted the comment was “painful.”

James, who played Irving on the Cavaliers from 2014 to 17, said, “Once I got the full version, I was like, ‘Damn it.’ I wasn’t like, ‘Oh, you go.’” Winner shots have hit the game all my life. I was not. I was like, “Damn it.” Because … I played with Kyrie for three seasons.

“The whole time I was there, I just wanted to see him the best player in our league. I just cared about his success. And she just didn’t match up. It just didn’t match up. We managed to win the championship.” [in 2016]. This is the craziest thing. We were still able to win the tournament, and we couldn’t line up. But I was only interested in his well-being, whether on earth or off. It hurt me a little bit. “