Rather than fulfilling his obligation to speak with Brooklyn Nets media, Kyrie Irving decided to do things his own way on Friday.
The former Boston Celtics guard issued a statement "to ensure that my message is conveyed properly."
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Read the statement below:
“COVID-19 has impacted us all in many ways, so I pray for the safety and health of our communities domestically and abroad. I am truly excited for the season to start and I am also praying that everyone remains safe and healthy throughout this journey.
“Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is conveyed properly.
“I am committed to show up to work everyday, ready to have fun, compete, perform, and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues in the Nets organization. My goal this season is to let my work on and off the court speak for itself.
Boston Celtics
“Life hit differently this year and it requires us, it requires me, to move differently. So, this is the beginning of that change.”
This may not be the only time Irving avoids the media this season. In fact, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on "The Jump" that the 28-year-old is planning a "media blackout."
Irving will be a key part of a Nets team that is expected to contend in the Eastern Conference, and he'll have fellow superstar Kevin Durant ready for his first year on the court with Brooklyn. In 20 games played last season, Irving averaged 27.4 points, 6.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.