Stephen A. Smith says Kyrie Irving only has himself to blame for the vitriol he'll undoubtedly receive when he steps onto the parquet Friday night.
On ESPN's "First Take," Smith presented his viewpoint on Irving's post-game remarks about potentially facing a "racist" and "belligerent" crowd when he plays in front of fans at the TD Garden for the first time since spurning the Celtics in free agency.
The commentator defended Boston.
"I think it's a phenomenal sports town, and that's why I'm going to say Kyrie Irving was wrong to do this," Smith said Wednesday. "I don't think this is about race at all. If you go to a Boston Celtics fan, they are against you because you're not a Boston Celtic. It's not because you're Black."
Following Brooklyn's blowout Game 2 victory, Irving expressed concern about the possible environment at the Garden for Games 3 and 4. "Hopefully we can just keep it strictly basketball, you know, there's no belligerence or any racism going on, subtle racism, and people yelling s–t from the crowd," he said.
Kevin Durant backed up his teammate, saying "everybody knows" Boston is a racist city.
Smith, however, believes Irving is ignoring the true reason why Celtics fans dislike him: He went back on his word.
"Here's why he's wrong: He's negating his role in the vitriol he's received," Smith said. "Kyrie Irving stood up before the crowd and said, 'I have every intention of re-signing with this team.' And then he got up and left! Might that have something to do with them disliking you? I think that might have something to do with it!"
I think so, too. Back in October 2018, Irving pledged he would stay with the Celtics. "No disrespect to any other organizations, but here was a perfect fit," he said.
But less than five months later, Irving changed his mind. "If you guys will have me back" turned into "ask me July 1."
Then he followed up his stunning reversal with a lousy postseason performance. The Bucks ousted the Celtics in five games in the Divisional Round.
That's a boo-worthy performance, indeed.
