NBA players flamed Noah Lyles after the world's fastest man discredited their 'world champion' status
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Noah Lyles is the fastest man in the world.
The American earned that title in the world championships over the last couple weeks, winning the 100m race and following that Friday with his second straight gold in the 200m.
His victories didn’t need to be compared to anything or anyone else or qualified under any other context. They stood on their own as impressive. Unfortunately, Lyles failed to understand that.
Caught up in the fog of post-victory joy perhaps, Lyles took aim at NBA players who also get to call themselves world champions for winning the NBA Finals. And this little rant was just completely ill-advised … and ill-informed.
"I love the U.S… but that ain't the world!"
Noah Lyles throws shade at the NBA's 'world champions' pic.twitter.com/BRCJagckcK
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 27, 2023
“You know, the thing that hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have world champion on their head,” Lyles said. “World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong. I love the U.S., at times, but that ain’t the world.”
Let’s just say those comments didn’t sit well with some NBA players, who responded in kind on Instagram. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard and more all chimed in, and they really flamed this man.
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and other NBA players respond to Noah Lyles' comments. pic.twitter.com/O1eApkNpFG
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 28, 2023
“Whatever… I’m smoking buddy in the 200m,” said Aaron Gordon, who obviously can’t beat Lyles in a race but brought some humor to the situation. And it was needed because this whole thing is just ridiculous.
Aside from the fact NBA champions aren’t viewed as actual champions of the world, the times they are referred as such is with acknowledgment that the NBA is the best basketball league in the world, where the best players either do play or want to play. Not to mention, the U.S. has won 16 of 20 all-time Olympic gold medals in basketball, including four straight. They’re favored to win the ongoing FIBA World Cup.
So, yeah, it’s not a stretch to call the winning team of the best basketball league in the world in the best basketball country “world champions.” Lyles just needs to take his gold medals and sit this one out.
Quick hits: Kobe? Is that you? … The best and worst NFL coaches … and more
(Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
— Rondae Hollis-Jefferson put on his best Kobe Bryant impression at the World Cup over the weekend. Bryan Kalbrosky has more.
— Robert Zeglinski ranked the five best and five worst NFL head coaches. Chiefs fans, you’ll be thrilled. Browns fans? Uh, best of luck.
— The Mets have jokes for Shohei Ohtani after he damaged the scoreboard in Citi Field with a foul ball. I’m sure Uncle Steve can foot the bill, though. Andrew Joseph has more.
— Elly De La Cruz said if he’s not the one hitting an inside-the-park homerun, it ain’t happening. Mary Clarke has more.
That’s all, folks. Happy Monday!