The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the New York Knicks 90-87 in New York City last night. After the game, near the end of the players’ media availability, a reporter asked Cavs forward Shawn Marion about head coach David Blatt’s gregarious personality, and seemingly smooth handling of the media so far this season. Marion, being in a good mood after a big win, responded by delving into a strange, but honest, rant about the media circus that surrounds the team this year.
“Most guys are really nice to reporters. I think it just depends if you’re nice to the [players] or not. If you’re nice to the guys, they’ll be nice to you. If you’re not nice, we’ll be assholes to you,” Marion said, laughing and smiling.
“I speak the truth. I’m not going to sit here and bite my tongue for nobody. I’m a grown-ass man. [Laughs] I understand that sometimes you’ve got to be politically correct to a certain degree but if you respect me, I’ll respect you, too. I think when you try to, you know, bad mouth people or say things to get us to say things that ain’t true, it puts a bad taste in your mouth.
“I understand y’all are trying to find a story. Sometimes, y’all just trying to pick, throw something out there to get something. If it’s not there, it’s not there. I’ve had some crazy shit happen. I’ll be like, ‘Are you fuckin’ serious?’ I’ll be like, ‘Let me ask you that question.'”
After declining to share the craziest question he’s ever been asked in his NBA career, Marion ended his rant with this:
“I understand y’all here. I understand, I look good. [Laughs] Not much I can do about that. It’s God-given ability. That’s just what it is.”
The media circus surrounding the Cavaliers will only intensify as we get deeper into the season. Here’s hoping someone keeps a live mic on Marion at all times.
