Sprinter Noah Lyles drew the ire of several NBA players on Sunday.
The American, who won three gold medals at the World Athletics Championships, alluded to the NBA by using the term “world champions” to refer to the winners of the grand finals.
“What irritates me the most is watching the NBA Finals and seeing the players wearing a ‘world champion’ cap.” World champion in what? The United States ?”
Several NBA players, including Kevin Durant, reacted to Lyles via social media.
“Somebody help this man,” the Phoenix Suns player wrote, clearly annoyed by the sprinter’s comments.
Other players such as Devin Booker, Damian Lilliard and Aaron Gordon also expressed their displeasure.
Lyles was incredible at the World Athletics Championships, winning gold in the 100m, 200m and four times in the 100m relay.