With a couple days off between the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Playoffs Series, we have a bit of drama. Iman Shumpert just tweeted out his dislike for one of the team’s beat reporters, Chris Haynes:
. @ChrisBHaynes on the record. i don't like you. instead of reporting about the game i love, all you do is put out negative vibes to fans.
— Iman. (@imanshumpert) May 16, 2015
The Cavs had their first practice today since overcoming the Chicago Bulls Thursday night but what led to this tweet is unknown. Nothing in Haynes Twitter history over the last couple of days seems to point to anything negative and the only mention of Shumpert is how the clothesline he received was the spark to the Cavs win. This is not the first time this year that the media has been the story for teams. Earlier in the season the NBAPA had a problem with media members “hanging out” in teams’ locker rooms. They felt like the reporters were just trying to catch a story instead of asking questions and leaving. Nothing in Shumpert’s history, especially his time with the Cavs, has presented problematic. He has always presented approachable and positive. That he would tweet this out so publicly says that this was serious for him. Also of interest is that Shumpert has had a very limited interaction with Haynes in the NBA, from all accounts. Haynes just started covering the Cavaliers this season, previously covering the Portland Trailblazers in the Western Conference. It would seem Haynes and Shumpert’s paths would not have crossed much. Generally when professional athletes get frustrated by a member of the media it is either due to a specific issue, say a negative report, or general dislike that grows over time, Russell Westbrook in OKC is an example. Neither seems to fit in this instance.
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When Haynes was hired this summer to cover the Cavs, his reputation was very positive. Much of his Twitter interaction with Blazer players upon the announcement was also positive. His general coverage of the Cavs this year was always interesting and generally didn’t fall in line with the negative narrative seen from the national media. We will continue to monitor this situation to see if any more information comes available. Shump could come out that he was hacked. Haynes, who has acted very professional this season, is unlikely to address it. Most interesting part was that Shump not only directly messaged Haynes but also added the period before his Twitter handle to make sure it was seen by the most people.
Update:
Some believe that Shump was not happy that Haynes printed these statements made by Iman after the Game 6 win:
@EdTheRevelator @ManiacMagLee pic.twitter.com/uVXDKxTIlU
— Brett Zelman (@blouiszelman) May 16, 2015
(H/T to Ed and Brett, give them a follow by clicking their names)
Any idea why Iman Shumpert called out Chris Haynes here?