Kyrie Irving Skips Media Session, Issues Statement 'To Let My Work On, Off Court Speak For Itself'

[RealGM Wiretap]

Kyrie Irving opted not to speak to reporters entering training camp and instead issued a statement.

“COVID-19 has impacted us all in many ways, so I pray for the safety and health of our communities domestically and abroad. I am truly excited for the season to start and I am also praying that everyone remains safe and healthy throughout this journey,” Irving wrote in the statement. “Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is conveyed properly:

“I am committed to show up to work everyday, ready to have fun, compete, perform, and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues in the Nets organization. My goal this season is to let my work on and off the court speak for itself. Life hit differently this year and it requires us, it requires me, to move differently. So, this is the beginning of that change.”

Irving has had a contentious relationship with some members of the media in recent years as his work off the court has become increasingly impactful. Irving was one of the leading voices amongst players to articulate concerns centered around the NBA's restart. 

 

Via RealGM Staff Report

[Bk68]

I'm sure the MY media will respect that. Gonna be a fun wstch

[bj2323]

When he speaks to the media, he sounds like an idiot... but when he skips speaking to the media, he sound like even more of an idiot

[BigHustle]

What has KI actually done off the court?

He tried to get players to question why they were playing and he was ignored. So what he he actually done?

[danvato]

When he speaks to the media, he sounds like an idiot... but when he skips speaking to the media, he sound like even more of an idiot

what part of his statement made him sound like an idiot?

[Reeko]

Pretty sure speaking to the media is part of the work you have to do off the court. Kyrie's new nickname should be Gump, as in Forrest Gump, cause he's running away from the NY media.

[luss54321]

When he speaks to the media, he sounds like an idiot... but when he skips speaking to the media, he sound like even more of an idiot

Kyrie has said a lot of dumb things over the years.

[TheCage4]

I’d actually prefer less media sessions with players and coaches overall. Hopefully this move gains traction.

[ecuhus1981]

This was a well thought move.

It lowers the media circus coefficient around training camp. We've heard enough sound bytes from Kyrie this offseason, this is actually a relief.

All respect, I still love Ky as a player. His silence allows us to appreciate him more on the court. Go Nets!

[31to6]

Celtic fan checking in to say lolololol
Make sure you show up prepared to “have fun and win championships” Kyrie!

[the_process]

I’d actually prefer less media sessions with players and coaches overall. Hopefully this move gains traction.

Not as long as there is a gaggle of reporters and commentators making their living off of talking about sports.

[the_process]

What has KI actually done off the court?

He tried to get players to question why they were playing and he was ignored. So what he he actually done?

Agreed, the answer is nothing. The staff reporter trying to give Kyrie credit for nothing.

Although... Kyrie did get Truth anointed as the GOAT.

[Prokorov]

What has KI actually done off the court?

He tried to get players to question why they were playing and he was ignored. So what he he actually done?

Agreed, the answer is nothing. The staff reporter trying to give Kyrie credit for nothing.

Although... Kyrie did get Truth anointed as the GOAT.

He has actually done quite a bit...

-Donated 1.5 Million to WNBA players once they got shut down once COVID hit
-Creating a documentary to spread awareness and work to get justice for brionna taylor
-Donated 50,000 N95 Masks to indian reservations and low income neighborhoods in NY/NJ
-Donated 250,000 meals to "feeding america" to help those without food during the pandemic
-Donated $400,000 to helping hands of america

the "he tried to get players to question why they were playing and was ignored" is a very inaccurate portrayal of the actual situation. Kyrie was the voice for many who had questioned why they were returing and expressed his own views that it would distract from a more important social movement. the NBA later shut down for that very movement inside the bubble.

"credit for nothing" is just plain ignorance

People can hate Kyrie all they want. but he is a good dude. he cares about people. he helps communities. he doesnt get in trouvle with the law. he isnt having kids with 10 different women.

if you want to find someone who "did nothing" there are a ton of better examples

[dlamb8888888]

This move sounds like classic Kyrie Irving. He is narcissistic, and thinks he is smarter than everyone else. He is above petty things like talking to the media. The guys is also full of bs. I guarantee the first opportunity he gets, he is going to say some stupid $h!+ to the media and create controversy surrounding the team. He can't help himself. I can't wait to see that team implode. Yes, I am a hater.

[IAMZOOTED2]

Before we go bashing Kyrie for being Kyrie, don't you think this move to actually not speak is the first step toward rebuilding his imgae/brand/credibility??

Whoever is advising him now... well done!

[BKlutch]

Before we go bashing Kyrie for being Kyrie, don't you think this move to actually not speak is the first step toward rebuilding his imgae/brand/credibility??

Whoever is advising him now... well done!

To anybody who knows the NY sports media, the answer is a resounding, "No!"

They will eat him alive and create a soap opera that becomes the defining story of the Nets, unless they are able to win it all. Kyrie is kookie - he's not a bad guy, but he has shown difficulty bonding with teammates to create a cohesive group on the floor. Being the only one not to speak to the press, after not having played for so long, is going to get a lot of clicks for certain (in)famous NY tabloid reporter.

Let the fun and games begin.

[Money_]

And the drama begins... Mr. Flat Earth gonna flat...

By New Year's somebody in Brooklyn gonna get their feelings hurt...

[Salty1]

This is about one thing and one thing only. The dude don't give a F about the fans and he sure as f don't give no poops about the media. Simple as that guy can find a better way to spend a day then pleasing fans and making the leauge some money. He's just too stupid to realize that all publicity is good publicity for not only himself, but the leauge too(Daryl Morey exception) anyways point is the league creates revenue through the words from these guys. Hes just in Brooklyn to part with his boys kd and DeAndre

[NoStatsGuy]

wise choice.

talking to reporters didnt go so well.

im in desperate need of some NBA drama and i had hoped the nets are going to provide that. mhhh maybe with harden, later in the season

[Rhythm043]

Lmao so he doesnt want to speak to them at all so before they run wild on him for it he is blaming his future unavailability on covid? Lmao. This guy turned into a straight up weirdo.