In pro sports, it is not uncommon for former players criticize those still in the game, for one reason or another. Sometimes the commentary is founded and on other occasions, it is jealous griping. When the targeted commentary comes from a well-educated, NBA legend with a background in communications, and they are directed a player constantly in the middle of controversy, those opinions are delivered with a little more clout.

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Rightfully so, the public has become tone deaf to the often bizarre statements made by Brooklyn Nets enigma, Kyrie Irving. However, for some that have paved the way for Irving and his brethren, they have had enough of the potentially "damaging" diatribe that comes from the "self-proclaimed martyr." NBA Hall of Famer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hit his tipping point recently posting, “Kyrie Irving would be dismissed as a comical buffoon if it weren’t for his influence over young people.” Abdul-Jabbar continued to unload on Irving's commentary.

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Brian Lewis of nypost.com, wrote about Abdul-Jabbar's comments. This is not the first time that the NBA legend has taken aim at Irving's "destructive" words. “Last October, I wrote a piece about Kyrie Irving’s refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 … and why this reckless choice was destructive to the country and especially the Black community where he would be an influential role model. The facts proved that accusation to be true. Irving didn’t care. He continued to promote his anti-vax sentiments — regardless of the cost in lives and health to others — proclaiming himself a ‘martyr.’ Not kidding,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote on his Substack blog prior to blasting recent comments by the Nets guard.

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In September, Kyrie Irving posted a 2002 clip of Alex Jones, the InfoWars founder, who on the day of Irving's post was on trial, being sued by parents of the children murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. “Alex Jones is one of the most despicable human beings alive and to associate with him means you share his stench,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote. “Irving has tarnished the reputations of all athletes who strive to be seen as more than dumb jocks.” Well said, by a guy that more than earned the right to comment on professional athletes. Kyrie Irving shares that Alex Jones, self-proclaimed-important, stench.

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