Gordon Hayward ruffled some feathers with a seemingly incendiary remark at his introductory Boston Celtics press conference on Friday, but the comments were actually more innocuous than they may have appeared.
At the presser, Hayward made a comment about how educated Boston sports fans seemed, per Brian Robb of Boston Sports Journal.
Hayward: "What's special about here is it seems they are especially educated sports fans…they know a little more here."
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) September 1, 2017
It was an assertion that was quickly interpreted by some as a shot at fans of the Utah Jazz team he left in free agency this summer to sign with the Celtics.
Jazz fans everywhere right now: pic.twitter.com/aGDaKuyT5O
— Seven Is Coming (@Jackson_Ute14) September 1, 2017
From every JAZZ fan… @gordonhayward pic.twitter.com/IDPGXGaGEO
— Steven Garlick (@st_garlick) September 1, 2017
Just proves he was more out of touch than Jazz fans thought. Other players that come to Utah say the exact opposite. Have fun, Gordon.
— Hoke Kogan (@matthewqnanes) September 1, 2017
But a look at Hayward’s full remarks proved otherwise, as he was apparently discussing the Boston fanbase alone without trying to draw a comparison.
For Jazz fans miffed about Hayward's comments on Boston fans, they weren't intended (IMO) to be a shot at all at Utah. Here's full Q-and-A: pic.twitter.com/oeXxzftlK4
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) September 1, 2017
Nevertheless, both players and fans from the Utah side still seem bitter over Hayward’s exit, so they are probably after any ammo they can possibly find.
