Kyrie Irving quit on Boston - Boston can't quit on the Celtics

 When his body was still in Boston (but most-likely not his spirit), Kyrie Irving stated that he experienced no racism in Boston. Now, prior to his return to TD Garden on Friday night for Game 3, we hear differently.

Which is it bud pic.twitter.com/gmVRrIttGv

— Jayson Tatum’s Advocate. (@HoopsWLegend) May 26, 2021

Yes, Which is it, Bud? This is a mindless, desperate attempt by Kyrie Irving to divert attention from his unwelcome return to a TD Garden venue (almost) filled with fans I hope will not abandon their own team, but will loudly - and peacefully - voice their displeasure at his abrupt departure. Irving is telling Celtics fans not to boo him, or he will be labeling the crowd reaction as racism.

I personally don't care if a player is purple with diagonal clashing stripes. If they play hard & can be placed into a shrinking population of decent individuals, I love them. Kyrie checked the first box. Maybe not the second. Attention-diverting tactic. https://t.co/cakJlmp7S3

— Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) May 26, 2021

I love my city of Boston, and I love my Celtics. Kyrie leaving for greener pastures differed from the departures of Gordon Hayward and Al Horford. I consider both former-Celtics gentlemen. Irving? Not so much.

Tom he is setting the stage that when he gets booed it's because Boston and Celtics fans are subtly racist in his world. People will boo him because he's a liar and he quit on this team. https://t.co/Wze3QElVL1

— Greek Italian Celtic SkyWalker (@LJkalo23) May 26, 2021

I certainly am not blaming Irving for all, or most, of the Celtics woes over the past three years, but  his behavior following his trip to Brooklyn, certainly including his accusations of racism properly-timed for his return to Boston, are inexcusable. Fans, let's hear the cheers for The Green and some acknowledgement of the "disappointment" of a player that was supported initially as a franchise player for the Celtics.