Over the past few years, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has received criticism for his behavior and actions off the court. And the latest of them is Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who slammed Irving, calling him a comical buffoon as well. And at the same time, an old video of Jabbar sucker punching another player resurfaced. NBA fans on Twitter mocked the Lakers great over the video.
Irving sat out a majority of the last season as he refused to take the vaccine. And his unavailability cost him dearly as the Nets were swept by the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. And Kyrie Irving also lost out on a shoe deal and a $100 million contract.
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Abdul-Jabbar was fed up with his antics, and he laid it out on Irving. He said, ” Kyrie Irving would be dismissed as a comical buffoon if it weren’t for his influence over young people who look up to athletes.”
He referenced other great athletes who have stood for social injustice. And he goes on to say that Irving tarnished the reputation of all athletes with his behavior.
NBA Twitter calls out Lakers great amid comments on Kyrie Irving
NBA Twitter lost it when an old video of Jabbar resurfaced. The Lakers great got elbowed in the stomach and he goes on to reel in pain. After that, he winds up and takes a massive swing at the player. And NBA fans shared their thoughts on the video:
Maybe not proportional but karma
— Open Idtry (@openidtry) October 3, 2022
You’re equating a dirty, very common play for that era with a blind side sucker punch that ruined both their seasons
— Perc Angle (@dudemeister_) October 3, 2022
how deep people are thinking about this tweet is crazy🤣
— JPW (@JWepp) October 3, 2022
— JPW (@JWepp) October 3, 2022
— 🥷🏾I am K1ng 👑🦍 (@K1ngCo) October 3, 2022
He conveniently forgot that part, eh?
— Jason Bassler (@JasonBassler1) October 3, 2022
We all say hypocritical things. No different than all the retired players that smear Lebron for "super teams" when they themselves shared a squad with hall of fame players in an attempt to grab a ring in their waning years. Kareem is still A OK in my book
— That 80's Dude (@kneegrowcomic) October 3, 2022
Not really. He never said he was innocent in his life or never made bad decisions. He's an elder that has learned from his past and is trying to guide the younger gen to be better in life.
No hypocrisy.
— sampson3121 (@sampson3121) October 4, 2022
not punch him? like its cool for him to assualt people on the court but kyrie cant say what he wants? cant stand brain dead twitter sheep man
— Bad Bwoy🥀🦦 (@_notasapyvxx) October 3, 2022
KD wild for liking this post ha pic.twitter.com/45LEA9IiRp
— ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 joe (@joewri22) October 3, 2022
How are the Nets and Irving preparing for the upcoming season?
A couple of months ago, the Brooklyn Nets‘ future was in massive jeopardy. Kevin Durant had requested a trade, and there was massive uncertainty over Irving as well. The Nets did not want to offer Irving a long-term contract as they questioned his availability.
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But eventually, everything worked out as Irving committed to a one-year deal. And Durant later retracted his trade request and decided to stay with the team. At the same time, Nets star Ben Simmons returned from his injury and is raring to go ahead of the new season.
WATCH THIS STORY: Kyrie Irving’s 5 most controversial moments on NBA court amid ugly feud with Celtics fans
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The Nets arguably look like one of the best teams in the NBA right now. They seemingly have the right pieces in the squad and their star players have a chip on their shoulders. They will undoubtedly be eager to silence their critics.
How do you think the Nets will fare next season? Let us know in the comments below.