Kyrie Irving woke up Friday morning with $25,000 less in his bank account. That's the amount Irving was fined for evading the media at Nets training camp. Despite his attempts to swear off the press, stonewalling reporters in and around the team's Brooklyn headquarters, the NBA came down on Irving Thursday, insisting he abide by the league's media requirements or continue to pay a hefty price. Never one to let an emotion go unexpressed, the polarizing point guard took to social media, posting an Instagram story that appeared to address Thursday's fine.
Irving was predictably defiant in his response, showing little in the way of remorse while also quoting civil rights leader Malcolm X. "I am here for Peace, Love and Greatness. So stop distracting me and my team and appreciate the Art. We move different over here," wrote a less-than-apologetic Irving. "I do not talk to Pawns. My attention is worth more."
The 28-year-old continues to view himself as a victim, framing his detractors as "pawns" (perhaps he's been bingeing The Queen's Gambit on Netflix) hell-bent on his destruction. Irving has certainly done himself no favors with his inflammatory remarks over the years, but if he wants to overhaul his image as an ornery malcontent, waging war with the media won't accomplish that.
Much has changed in the year 2020 but not Irving, who remains as erratic and uncooperative as ever. Kyrie's abrasive personality likely won't earn him any new converts in Brooklyn … that is, unless the Nets make the leap from fringe playoff team to legitimate title contender. Given the Nets' level of star power, that's very much within the realm of possibility.
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