Kyrie Irving is backtracking on comments he made about Thanksgiving, saying he “meant no disrespect” to the millions of Americans who still celebrate the holiday.
The Boston Celtics star caused a ruckus on social media when he told a reporter “F— Thanksgiving!” after the reporter wished him a happy Thanksgiving.”
According to published reports, Irving tanked the reporter politely, then added that he doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving.
After the backlash on social media, Irving, 26, took to Twitter.com to explain he was frustrated after his team was routed by the Oklahoma City Thunder: “I spoke w/ frustration after last nights game and spoke words that shouldn’t be in a professional setting no matter what.”
He added: “Meant no disrespect to the Holiday and those who celebrate it respectfully. I’m grateful for the time We all can share with our families. We are always ONE.”
Irving, who claims to be a descendant of Native Americans, was honored in a naming ceremony with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota in August.
The Boston Celtics are a disappointing 9-9 so far in the NBA season after being picked to reach the NBA Finals in 2019.
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
