Kyrie Irving got a very special gift from rapper Travis Scott this past week.
In a story on Instagram, the Brooklyn Nets star shared a package he received from the Sicko Mode lyricist and a specific note that was attached.
“These are for my favorite player in the league,” the note read. “Keep killin!”
The package looked to contain a wide array of shoes.
Irving is currently engaged in something of a cold war with the NBA media.
The Nets star has declined multiple requests to speak to reporters since the beginning of training camp on Dec. 1.
As a result, both he and his organization were fined $25,000 by the NBA for failure to comply with the league’s media rules.
“The fines result from Irving’s refusal on several occasions this week to participate in the team media availability,” the league said in a statement.
On Friday, Irving made his opinion on the fine very clear.
“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.”
Neither Irving’s actions nor the league’s reaction should come as much of a shock.
Back on Dec. 4, Irving released a statement fully expressing his disinterest in speaking to reporters.
“Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is properly conveyed,” he said at the time.
Actions have consequences. https://t.co/5I71xkLToo
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 11, 2020
“I am committed to show up to work every day, ready to have fun, compete, perform, and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues in the Nets organization.”
The NBA requires that healthy players be made available to reporters before or after games and practices. Usually, the league also has teams set aside one day at the beginning of training camp for every player on the roster. Clearly, Irving had zero interest in any of that this year.
Yikes. https://t.co/FPN0pOZYH6
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 8, 2020
Irving signed a four-year, $141 million deal with the Nets back in 2019. Given that, it’s safe to assume that he won’t feel a $25,000 penalty from the league for quite some time.
How will this feud between Irving and the press ultimately end? Time will tell.
Related: Kevin Durant Reveals ‘Glue’ Player That Holds Nets Together
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
