Damian Lillard can be described in many ways, but "spoiled" or "entitled" definitely don't belong anywhere near his name.
While discussing Lillard's recent comments about the Trail Blazers' chances of making the playoffs, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky chose to utter those words. Lillard told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports that he doesn't plan to play if his Portland squad isn't given a "true opportunity" to reach the postseason. In his response on "Get Up!," Orlovsky went down a strange path, which included comparing Lillard to healthcare workers.
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"Damian Lillard would have the opportunity to get to play basketball again, and I would hope and challenge him in his mindset that the last few months has changed that, and that he would take the opportunity to go and perform — and go and compete and get the opportunity to play basketball again," Orlovsky said. "Because some people don't have a choice anymore. They have to go do things. It is not an option. ...
"How can you sit there and go, 'Nope, I'm not going to play,' but understand that there's people out there that don't have that choice? That they have to go to work. And they have to go earn their money. I struggle with sitting here and going, you don't come off as, in some way, a spoiled and entitled brat by saying I'm not going to play."
As Domonique Foxworth pointed out during that segment, Lillard is a basketball player. This is not an essential worker neglecting his duty.
Plus, there are going to be risks involved as the NBA attempts to resume the season amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Aside from obvious infection concerns, the long layoff could increase the risk of injury, and that would only hurt the Trail Blazers' future.
Lillard clearly didn't appreciate what Orlovsky had to say, especially the part about being a "spoiled and entitled brat."
Entitled and spoiled? Mf watch yo mouth. My background , family, and character couldn’t be further FROM entitled and spoiled. I said what I said! https://t.co/yM30aU5xl2
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) May 28, 2020
He then pointed out Orlovsky is not nearly on his level of athletic achievement. (Orlovsky played quarterback in the NFL from 2005-2015, starting in 12 total games.)
You sat out ya whole career basically 🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/yM30aU5xl2
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) May 28, 2020
Orlovsky later apologized for his phrasing: "100 [percent] on me and you have my public apology. I shouldn't have said that."
No you’re right I was wrong to use that phrase at the end. That’s my bad. My comment started with saying I hope we all realize nothing is meaningless anymore. And if it’s about protecting loved ones-100%. I shouldn’t have said entitled or brat and that’s on me and my bad.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) May 28, 2020
And that’s why I told you I was wrong to say that. 100% on me and you have my public apology. I shouldn’t have said that. I can’t speak for anyone but me but I’m sorry, that’s my bad, and I was wrong.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) May 28, 2020
Lillard went from Oakland, Calif., to Weber State and eventually turned himself into a franchise player. He has been an important leader for both the Trail Blazers and his community.
Just a giant swing and a miss for Orlovsky, but at least he recognized it.
