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via Reuters
Paris 2024 Olympics – Basketball – Men’s Gold Medal Game – France vs United States – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – August 10, 2024. Anthony Edwards of United States reacts. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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via Reuters
Paris 2024 Olympics – Basketball – Men’s Gold Medal Game – France vs United States – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – August 10, 2024. Anthony Edwards of United States reacts. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Gold at the Paris Olympics proved there is no end to Noah Lyles’ success, but no end to his feud with the NBA either it seems. The 27-year-old already landed in controversy with his remarks on NBA champs, but this time it’s about a particular NBA star! The comment stemming from his desire to get a sneaker deal with Nike seems to be an attack of sorts on Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards. While the Ant Man has not responded yet, former NBA star Stephen Jackson seems to be done with the insult for his league.
The official Instagram account for Bleacher Report recently posted Lyles’ comments about Edwards. “His mouth ruining his career by the minute,” Jackson commented on the post. Notably, the comments were recently revealed by TIME’s Sean Gregory mentioning there existed a tension between Adidas and Lyles that stemmed from the brand inviting the track athlete to the Wolves’ star’s shoe release event.
“You want to invite me to [an event for] a man who has not even been to an NBA Finals? In a sport that you don’t even care about? And you’re giving him a shoe?” Lyles said, as per the report. He further mentioned he means no disrespect to Anthony Edwards, as he is an amazing athlete. And he also understood the apparel company’s vision behind the move for the Wolves star, believing he will make it big. “All I’m asking is, ‘How could you not see that for me?'” Lyles added.
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Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you agree with Stephen Jackson's harsh criticism of Noah Lyles?
Absolutely
No way
Partially
Not sure
Do you think Anthony Edwards deserves more recognition for his Olympic triumph?
Absolutely
Not really
Maybe, but others were better
I don't care
Whats your Perspective on:
Stephen Jackson vs. Noah Lyles: Who's right in this heated exchange over Anthony Edwards and Adidas?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Stephen Curry was right to reject the French fan's love?
Absolutely
No way
Depends on the situation
Not sure
Who do you think was Sam Cassell's best teammate?
Kevin Garnett
Hakeem Olajuwon
Ray Allen
Other
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Although the brand refused to comment on this, it surely signed an extension with the track athlete in February. However, after claiming gold at the Paris Olympics, Lyles has yet again demanded his own sneaker deal. “… I’m dead serious. I want a sneaker, ain’t no money in [track] spikes. There’s money in sneakers…” he said.
It’s worth mentioning landing sneaker deals is not an easy task for track athletes. Usain Bolt has been among the rare ones to crack it with Puma. His frustration could’ve been understandable had it not come at the expense of another athlete. And it’s not as if this is the first instance that Lyes has thrown shade at NBA stars.
What’s your perspective on:
Stephen Jackson vs. Noah Lyles: Who's right in this heated exchange over Anthony Edwards and Adidas?
Have an interesting take?
The time Noah Lyles questioned NBA champs’ eligibility to call themselves world champions
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This came during a press conference when Lyles secured gold at the World Athletics Championship. During the conference, the 27-year-old criticized the NBA for calling the winners of league’s finals as world champions. He pointed out he has seen winners wearing this tag on their heads during the Finals. “World champion of what? The United States?” he added.
He further mentioned although he loves the US, but the world is not limited to that. Lykes argued one has to contest where multiple countries are participating, in order to be termed as world champion. The comments received backlash from numerous NBA fans and athletes. Kevin Durant was no exception to this as he wrote, “Somebody help this brother” on an IG post.
Even Team USA management did not hold back from taking a light-hearted dig at the 27-year-old track athlete. Securing the gold after a 98-87 win over France, the official X account of USA Basketball asked if they are eligible for the tag now. “Are we the World Champs now?” read the post. While USA Basketball had their comeback on Noah Lyles, one from Anthony Edwards still remains.
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Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
Debate
Stephen Jackson vs. Noah Lyles: Who's right in this heated exchange over Anthony Edwards and Adidas?