Shane Larkin hits back at İbrahim Kutluay: 'There are two clowns who love to use my name'

Anadolu Efes star basketball player Shane Larkin responded late at night via social media to allegations regarding why he did not play in the Turkish Cup with a detailed statement.

In comments made during a program he attended, former national basketball player İbrahim Kutluay claimed that head coach Pablo Laso wanted to put Larkin in the game against Beşiktaş, but the player did not want to play. Furthermore, Kutluay argued that Larkin's character was not suitable for team leadership.

Following these events, Larkin shared striking messages addressing the allegations and personal criticisms.

"MY HEALTH WAS NOT GOOD, I AM REACTING TO THOSE WHO USE MY NAME"

In his social media post, Larkin stated the following:

"And this is exactly why I shouldn't have been on the cup roster at all. Because I am not healthy enough to play, and trying to be there for the team can be misunderstood as if I don't want to play. Now there are two 'clowns' who love to use my name for clicks and attention.

I will never allow an attack on my character. I have given more than my best for my club and Turkish basketball. I have played through injuries for years, I have put my body on the line. Every word said to the contrary is either for attention or to get a reaction.

If one of them really wanted to learn the truth, to know what state my body is in, they could have asked very easily. They could have learned the truth. But instead, they choose to use my name for clicks and attention. If you ask me, it's a bit pathetic.

Attacking the character of an injured player who experiences sharp pain when stepping onto the court after surgery and therefore cannot play is a very low move. If you want to question something, think about it. You will see the truth. They speak every chance they get to talk about me.

Anyone who only speaks when people are at their weakest is a pathetic, jealous man. When I play well, when I do what I do to win for my club or my country, there is no sound. Total silence. Not a single good word about me.

As soon as there is a bad moment, they are the loudest in the room. If you don't like me, say it. But to criticize a player and question his character over an injury that requires surgery and hasn't fully healed yet, and to turn this into an opportunity to take a jab... PATHETIC.

As an athlete, especially as a former athlete, you would think they would have an approach of speaking the truth and offering a perspective that explains what athletes go through. But it seems their goal is to create a negative perception about me at every opportunity.

The truth is that I wanted to be as close to my teammates as possible and help as much as I could. Even if that meant not being able to step on the court to avoid risking my long-term health. That is the TRUTH.

Anyone who says otherwise is just an ignorant person chasing some attention. Pathetic, jealous, envious... Whatever word you want to use. Attacking an injured person is truly sad... Especially when the person doing it is a former athlete. As a man, I would never do such a thing. But we are not all of the same character.

Ask that man; what would his son, who is a great talent, do if he were in my shoes? Would he risk his long-term health, or would he make sure he was safe before playing again? I'm sure it wouldn't turn into a character issue then.

I should never have been put in that situation, but I did it because I am a total team player. Actually, I did it reluctantly; because I knew how the media would twist it. And here we are... The truth is the truth. How can two people who have never spoken to me or anyone who knows my health status speak factually about my situation?

If you follow a fool, you become a clown yourself. Make reality your benchmark, then you will see what is really going on behind the scenes. And frankly, if you are still questioning this... damn you too.

I have always been a respectful person. And this is not a response to anything related to Fenerbahçe. I have always respected Fenerbahçe as a rival; we have had many great battles over the years. This is a response to the grown, troll, pathetic men who disrespectfully attack my character.

To those who attack an athlete's character at a time when they are going through a difficult period due to injury. I, neither as an athlete nor as a man, would ever do such a thing without knowing the truth. You should question anyone who can sink this low.

I have love and respect for all Fenerbahçe fans. This has nothing to do with you. The passion you have for your club is admirable worldwide. One of the best. This is just a response to the words thrown by two people for the sake of clicks. That's all."

DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Following his posts, Shane Larkin also responded to comments from social media users. To a follower who said, "The man you call a clown was playing in the NBA and winning the EuroLeague before you were even born," the star player confidently replied, "I did all of that too. And even better."

The controversy is expected to continue to have an impact on the basketball community for some time.

News Source: 12punto