Brooklyn Nets: Kyrie Irving walks back outlandish media comments

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving walks back comments

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving ended his short-lived media silence Monday during a zoom call media session, where he attempted to “clarify” his previous comments in which he seemingly called media “pawns.”

Here’s what Irving said:

"“The focus is on what’s going on in here, you know, my job,” Irving said. “And I wanted to make sure that that was clear, no distractions, nothing about dispelling anything, nothing about going back-and-forth, nor about calling out one person or another, not even to refer to you guys as pawns, you know what I mean, or media. It’s just really how I felt about the mistreatment of certain artists when we get to a certain platform of when we make decisions within our lives to have full control and ownership.”"

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So is the life of any public figure, Mr. Irving.

The want to have “full control and ownership” of one’s message, whatever that may be, is certainly understood. But when you talk down to or make disparaging, condescending comments about an entire industry of people who are partners in helping to get your message out, that is when the backlash comes, and rightfully so.

Attempting to infer that your message is being taken out of context, twisted, or spun incorrectly is about as insincere as it gets. Irving is the one who spouted off those comments as clear as day but then acts as if he was “misquoted.” No sir, you said what you said, and now have had to walk it back like so many times before.

It cannot always be someone else’s fault if you continue to wear out your welcome wherever you go. Cleveland, Boston, and we will see how long this Brooklyn situation lasts.

In all fairness to Irving, he does plenty of good with the charities he contributes to and other philanthropic endeavors he has been part of creating. Irving has been commended, for all he does for his community.

Every now and again though, he goes and throws all that goodwill equity out the window with some of his comments. His statements are not always the issue, though. Well, not the only issue. You cannot make these outlandish comments Irving is known to make, only to become upset and play the victim after the media reports word for word what he said. Life does not work that way.

On top of that, it was reportedly his choice to take his talents to Brooklyn, with Kevin Durant following him there. For two guys who have had their battles with the media over the years, Brooklyn may not have been the team and media market to best suit their mercurial needs.
Irving also walked back comments he made about coaching by committee a few months ago:

"“You know, I think I’ve got to take back my comments in terms of the head coach back a few months ago,” Irving explained. “Steve’s been amazing. And it really is a reflection of the type of person he is, and the IQ he has for the game.”"

Not really an apology, but maybe that happened behind closed doors, during practice or a team meeting, etc. This is another example of Irving thinking he is the smartest guy in the room. Irving may be a classic overthinker. Though, he would probably classify himself as a deep thinker, not an overthinker.

Irving must be careful because the line between deep thinking and overthinking is a fine one at best. As talented as he is if Irving continues to alienate those around him, people’s first thought will eventually be to tune him out and not give it a second thought.