Why can’t we all just get along…

Kyrie Irving is definitely a controversial figure in the NBA, his super out-there takes on certain topics and way of handling situations making for some proper interesting moments throughout his long career. But then again, he’s a total killer on the court. But no matter how good a player is we’ve learned, they’re never immune to criticism. Especially not criticism from basketball legend himself Charles Barkley.

The shot came after Kyrie landed himself in hot water for refusing to speak to media members, referring to them as “pawns”. Since then, he’s tried to clarify his comments, but of course, the damage is done, and in typical Barkley style, he came down on Irving hard.

Speaking on an ESPN show regarding James Harden, Barkley took the time to address Irving and his recent antics, going into a hot-headed rant as he says “when he talks I’m like ‘what the hell is he trying…what is he saying and what is he trying to say?’ He starts talking about what an artist is. He’s a basketball player. That’s what he is. Listen, we’re not… we’re not frontline responders. We’re not teachers. Yo man, you dribble a basketball, stop acting like you’re the smartest person in the world.

“Now can you talk about social issues and things like that? Of course. But some of this other stuff I’m like ‘yo man, you do realize you’re just a basketball player, right?’ And it seems like he’s like ‘no I want you guys to realize I’m the smartest guy in the room.’ Well first of all, you’re not. You only went to college for six months. A lot of guys are smarter than you are. Just answer stupid basketball questions. And if you want to say something about social justice, say it and mean it, because it’s important and significant. But all that other stuff? Like, yo man, shut the hell up and talk basketball.”

He does make a tonne of valid points, but it’s also good he points out that Kyrie has used his platform for some important issues in the culture. But at the same time, that was savage as fuck. Watch the full rant below (starts around the five minute mark).