Kyrie Irving says he and Kehlani were no longer dating when photo was posted, is focused on basketball

As if LeBron James hadn’t done enough to distract from the Cavaliers’ season, Kyrie Irving has his own off-court saga.

Irving had been known to be dating singer Kehlani. Monday, rapper/singer PartyNextDoor – who previously dated Kehlani – posted a since-deleted photo from his bed showing a hand with tattoos matching Kehlani’s. The caption: “After all her shenanigans, still got the r&b singer back in my bed.” Later Monday, Kehlani posted a since-deleted photo of her arm with an IV attached and implied she attempted to commit suicide.

Irving addressed the issue today in a series of tweets that were, you guessed it, since deleted:

It’s been hard to see what’s been going on and not address the truth. I do not justify the picture or what dude did to try and spark all

Of this non sense that could have been avoided, but Me and Kehlani were not dating when the picture came out.

It’s unfortunate that it’s received so much attention but its become bigger because of a post that was misunderstood.

Nothing but love and compassion over this way for her and her family. My only focus the Game I love to play every night.

This is heavy stuff – the exact weight depending on a timeline Irving is rightfully not rushing to share with the public. But a former girlfriend returning to her ex and then informing the world about her suicide attempt is difficult for anyone to process, let alone someone entering the most important time of the year at his job.