Love: Irving calling media 'pawns' a 'sign of disrespect'

Kevin Love has called out former teammate Kevin Love. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Cavaliers' Kevin Love: Kyrie Irving calling media 'pawns' is 'sure sign of disrespect'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/11/20

Brooklyn Nets All-Star Kyrie Irving released a statement on Friday in response to the $25,000 fine he received from the NBA for failure to comply with the league's media access rules.

While Irving sensibly quoted human rights activist Malcolm X in his post, he also heavily criticized reporters, whom he called "pawns."

Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love responded to Irving's statement, condemning his former teammate's words during a Friday afternoon interview.

#Cavs Kevin Love disagrees with former teammate Kyrie Irving’s stance on the media.
“Calling anybody a pawn is a sure sign of disrespect,” Love said. “I’m not a divisive person.” pic.twitter.com/4izgXgnO1A
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) December 11, 2020

Irving has never liked the media, to say the least. In a March 2019 interview with Yahoo's Chris Haynes, the six-time All-Star explained that he felt his comments were often used to manufacture drama.

It's unclear if Irving plans to continue his "media blackout" this season following the fine. If he continues to avoid interviews, the NBA could further punish him for his actions. However, continuous $25,000 fines probably won't do much to sway his stance, especially considering he makes over $33 million per year, so the league likely will have to hand down harsher punishment if they want to put an end to the media avoidance.

Irving's battle with the media certainly will continue to fetch a lot of attention through the 2020-21 campaign, and it's something that will continue to generate headlines as Brooklyn prepares to open the season later this month.

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