Sports media is ablaze after ESPN analyst Rick Masters made a shockingly controversial comment about Kentucky Wildcats standout guard, Jalen Thompson, during a live segment on College GameNight.
While discussing NBA draft prospects, Masters said, “Thompson might put up numbers, but he doesn’t have the IQ or discipline to succeed at the next level—he’s more hype than substance.”
Fans, players, and even fellow analysts immediately took to social media to condemn the statement. Former NBA All-Star and Kentucky alum DeMarcus Cousins tweeted, “Disrespectful and baseless. Jalen is one of the smartest players I’ve seen come out of Kentucky in years.”
Thompson, who has led Kentucky to a top-seeded NCAA tournament run this year, responded in a press conference: “I let my game speak. I’m focused on winning, not talking.”
As calls mount for ESPN to address the comment, Masters has yet to issue an apology or clarification. The network has released a brief statement saying, “We are reviewing the matter internally.”
Stay tuned as this story develops—because it’s far from over.
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