Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving was fined $25,000 by the NBA for violating the league-mandated media access requirements on Thursday, and on Friday made public his thoughts on the ruling via social media.
"I pray we utilize the 'fine money' for the marginalized communities in need, especially seeing where our world is presently," Irving wrote on Instagram. "(I am) I am [sic] here for Peace, Love, and Greatness. So stop distracting me and my team, and appreciate the Art. We move different over here."
"I do not talk to Pawns," he concluded. "My attention is worth more."
Per the NBA's press release, Irving's fines "result from Irving's refusal on several occasions this week to participate in team media availability."
Rather than speaking with the media during Nets training camp, Irving instead issued a written statement on Dec. 4:
"Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is properly conveyed," his statement read. "I am committed to show up to work every day, 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. Life hit differently this year and it requires us, it requires me, to move differently. So, this is the beginning of that change."
According to league policy, the NBA requires active players to be accessible to the media at practices and games.
