Irving: ‘I do not talk to Pawns’
The NBA announced on Thursday it has fined both All-Star guard Kyrie Irving and the Nets $25,000 each for violating the league’s rules governing media interview access.
“The fines result from Irving’s refusal on several occasions this week to participate in team media availability,” the league said.
Irving has yet to address local writers and reporters, and intentionally skipped out on his obligatory media address, since training camp began.
Irving opted to issue a statement to “ensure that my message is conveyed properly” instead of participating in a conference call with reporters during Media Week.
He appeared to react to the fine in an Instagram story Friday.
“I pray we utilize the ‘fine money’ for the marginalized communities in need, especially seeing where our world is presently,” Irving wrote. “[I am] here for Peace, Love, and Greatness. So stop distracting me and my team, and appreciate the Art. We move different over here.
“I do not talk to Pawns. My attention is worth more.”
College basketball: Ohio State will be without its leading scorer and rebounder, as E.J. Liddell is out indefinitely with a sickeness not related to COVID-19 the school said in a statement on Friday. He has started all four games for the Buckeyes, averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. ... Michigan forward Austin Davis is out indefinitely. Davis has a plantar fascia injury he felt in the
Wolverines’ win over Toledo on Wednesday. He was averaging six points and 3.6 rebounds a game.
College football: Pitt has chosen not to participate in a bowl game this season. The decision to decline a postseason invitation was “made by the team and fully supported by the university,” according to a Friday evening statement by Pitt. The Panthers wrapped up their regular season with a 34-20 win at Georgia Tech on Thursday night, finishing with a 6-5 record. ... According to ESPN, Utah State has canceled Saturday night’s scheduled game at Colorado State because of concerns voiced by football players about religious discrimination during the search for a new football coach, the university said in a statement Friday. The decision came after players said Friday that they had opted out of the game because of comments allegedly made by Utah State president Noelle Cockett about interim coach Frank Maile. “I am devastated that my comments were interpreted as bias against anyone’s religious background,” Cockett said in a statement.
NFL: The Cowboys placed Cameron Erving on injured reserve with a sprained knee Friday, ending the tackle’s season because it’s his second stint on IR. ... The Lions have interviewed three internal candidates for their general manager vacancy. The team announced on Twitter on Friday that Kyle O’Brien, Lance Newmark and Rob Lohman have interviewed for the job. O’Brien is the team’s vice president of player personnel, Newmark is director of player personnel, and Lohman is director of pro scouting.