Kyrie Irving (aka World B. Flat) took a page out of Marshawn Lynch’s book recently, shunning the media at Nets training camp and promising his silence would continue all season. In lieu of taking questions, the eccentric guard delivered a prepared statement Friday, vowing to “show up to work every day,” “perform,” “compete” and hopefully “win championships” (yes, he said championships plural).
Turns out, folks at the NBA offices in Manhattan aren’t into the whole brevity thing. The NBA slapped Irving with a $25,000 fine Thursday, asserting his remarks last Friday didn’t satisfy the league’s media requirements. Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the 28-year-old can’t file a grievance because the fine was under $50,000.
Irving who, in addition to being a relentless scorer and one of the game’s top ball-handlers, is annually among the league leaders in putting his foot in his mouth, has wanted nothing to do with reporters at Nets camp, continually blowing off ESPN and other outlets who have sought interview requests. Even with COVID protocols limiting access to team facilities, Irving can’t dodge the press forever. And if he tries, it will continue to come out of his wallet. Whether the threat of lost wages does anything to change Kyrie's tune toward the media (remember, he's due an enormous $33.3-million salary this year) remains to be seen.
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