Kyrie Irving gives fans the inside scoop on how he's been spending his time over All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, whether it's working out or interacting with fans. He also shared how he is not a fan of some sports media companies, including the world's largest.
Irving was taking pictures with fans when a publicist approached him and said ESPN was going to interview him. The Dallas Mavericks guard smiled at the man and later said, "I don't really care about ESPN."
Kyrie Irving declined an interview for ESPN:
"I don't really care about ESPN"pic.twitter.com/YI1KQSOhS6
- MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) 16 February 2026
There is some truth to the fact that Irving is not very fond of ESPN, and it is directly related to Stephen A. Might be from Smith, as they've been going back and forth over the years.
The most recent time was when Smith talked about Irving's extension with the Mavericks, saying the guard deserved more than he got.
"In today's economy, where you get Cats paid over $55, $60 million, you can't give this guy at least $43 to $45 million per year? Remember, he should have gotten a player option that would have given him $43 million. So, to me, $119 million, that's a little less than $40 million per year. Kyrie Irving deserves more than that," Smith said.
Although it was a compliment, Irving did not take it that way and fired back at Smith.
"I'm going to discuss his contract. I'm going to discuss Stephen A's contract and I'll say: 'I don't think you're worth it,'" Irving said.
Before then, Smith will test Irving after he did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which caused him to miss court time with the Brooklyn Nets. Smith has since apologized for his stance on it, but it was still a big issue that he always brought up on First Take.
The feud between Smith and Irving may have started when the guard went on First Take after being traded to the Boston Celtics, and he was basically questioned during his entire segment about why he wanted to leave Cleveland.
