An ESPN reporter has created a firestorm online after an eyebrow-raising take.
During Tuesday’s episode of “Get Up”, NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill called the league championship a “participation trophy,” discredited the Knicks’ recent championship and said the league is better with teams having sustained success.
“Dynasty is better for the sport,” Goodwill said. “I like to know that greatness is validated. How we do know that any of the last eight champions are actually validated because they have not done it again?
“Giannis [Antetokounmpo] is itching to get out [of Milwaukee,] Boston is thinking about trading Jaylen Brown, they don’t believe in their one championship. LeBron [James’] one championship in L.A. was not enough. So why would it be enough for us?”
The Knicks celebrate after winning their first title in 53 years. Charles Wenzelberg / NY PostGoodwill also cited that he prefers the NBA’s dynasty era over its current parity era because the game had its greatest explosion in growth when teams like Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls dominated the league.
“Now, you’re legislating parity,” Goodwill said. “The owners are saying you aren’t allowed to be great for an extended period of time.”
ESPN analyst Alan Hahn, who works for MSG Network, fired back at Goodwill’s remarks, saying that the Larry O’Brien trophy is an “actual trophy” and when you win the title, it’s validated no matter what because you won the league that year.
Goodwill’s comments didn’t just cause a stir from Hahn, but also fans on X.
“I would love to see past and present NBA players respond to this. Can’t let this guy get away with saying something so stupid. ESPN needs to fix their hiring process,” one Knicks fan wrote on X Tuesday.
“This is one of the most insane takes I have ever heard, but don’t worry Vincent, the next dynasty started last Saturday… Everyone is coming back!!!” another fan wrote on X.
After a revolt from Knicks fans, Goodwill responded and said his comments were “hyperbole” and weren’t meant to be taken literally.
Fans remained angry, saying it was a poor take either way.
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This comes after the Knicks won their first NBA title in 53 years last Saturday, beating the Spurs in five games.
While the Knicks are the eighth different champion to win it all in the last eight years, all eight champions have returned to the playoffs the following season.
