Kyrie Irving's short-lived media boycott ended after he and the Brooklyn Nets were fined for violating the NBA's media policy. The NBA guard seemingly referred to the media as "pawns," who were distractions before attempting to clear the air on his comments.
During a Thursday appearance on ESPN's Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin morning show, Charles Barkley responded to Kyrie Irving's media boycott and questioned the point that the Nets guard is trying to make.
"They don't pay you $40 million just to play basketball," Barkley said. "Part of it is sitting down with you guys, sitting down with me and Kenny [Smith] and Ernie [Johnson] and [Shaquille O'Neal], talking to New York reporters. Being with the media is part of your professional obligation, and you can say what you want to say. But these guys today, they're different. I don't hate on them, but I'm not sure what point Kyrie is trying to make."
Barkley also took issue with Kyrie's overall attitude. In addition to pointing out that Kyrie is "just a basketball player," NBA hall of famer claimed Kyrie views himself as the "smartest guy in the room."
"When he talks, I'm like, 'what is he saying and what is he trying to say?'" Chuck questioned. "He starts talking about what an artist is. He's a basketball player. That's what he is. Listen, we're not front line responders. We're not teachers. Yo man, you dribble a basketball, stop acting like you're the smartest person in the world.
"Now can you talk about social issues and things like that? Of course," he continued. "But some of this other stuff I'm like 'Yo, man, you do realize you're just a basketball player, right?' And it seems like he's like, 'No, I want you guys to know I'm the smartest guy in the room.' Well, first of all, you're not. You only went to college for six months. A lot of guys are smarter than you are. Just answer stupid basketball questions. And if you want to say something about social justice, say it and mean it, because it's important and significant. But all that other stuff? Like, yo, man, shut the hell up and talk basketball."
To hear Charles Barkley give his thoughts on Kyrie Irving, view the above clip.
