Gaze hits back at Kyrgios
Andrew Gaze has responded to Nick Kyrgios after the tennis firebrand claimed Australia’s most-beloved male hooper “hated on” his NBL club South East Melbourne.
Kyrgios, a part-owner of the Phoenix, took to Twitter following the Christmas Day miracle 85-77 win over Tasmania to say Gaze, in his role as a commentator, had a negative bias toward his club.
“Since day 1 @AndrewGaze10 hated on @SEMelbPhoenix … have never heard you say anything positive about the club,” wrote Kyrgios.
“I know @MelbUnited hangs your jersey during its games, but come on, bro … I know you were a great player but some objectivity as a broadcaster would be appreciated.”
Gaze, a Boomers and Melbourne Tigers NBL legend who is rated as the country’s greatest male player, said he was “surprised” by the comments from Kyrgios but comfortable in his assessment of the 9-9 expansion club, which has only finished in the top four once in four seasons.
“I’m unsure of what I said today that upset Nick (but) I’m comfortable that I, along with (fellow commentators) Jack (Heverin) and Liam (Santamaria), provided a balanced opinion of the good and not so good for both teams,” Gaze said.
The 58-year-old had a grounded perspective on the tough job faced by play-byplay callers, something Kyrgios has dabbled in.
“It’s disappointing when someone does not enjoy your commentary but I’ve come to appreciate it’s difficult to please everyone all the time and I’m confident he will reach the same conclusion as he gains further experience with his tennis commentating career,” Gaze said.