With the NBA world still reeling from the blockbuster, three-team trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz, his wife, Nina, responded angrily to an ESPN report likening Westbrook to a “vampire” in the locker room.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on ESPN’s “NBA Today” Thursday, “As one source told me, you remove a vampire from the locker room” for the Los Angeles Lakers. “That meaning, a vampire sucks the blood out of the locker room. Russell Westbrook moves on.”
“As one source told me, ‘you remove a vampire from the locker room’.”
Dave McMenamin spoke on the Lakers moving on from Russell Westbrook. pic.twitter.com/l4uCxvKo91
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 9, 2023
Nina Westbrook fired back on Instagram.
“This is just sick ESPN … Russell is no vampire,” Nina wrote (according to a screen grab from the NBAonTop Twitter account. “This is also slander because anyone who knows anything knows that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“On a personal note, I have school-aged children who have to listen to their peers repeat the nasty things that you guys say on television about their father. I guess I will prepare myself to explain to my 5 year old that his dad is not actually a vampire and that major news outlets only say things like that to get attention.”
"I have school aged children who have to listen to their peers repeat the nasty things that you guys say on television about their father. I guess I will prepare myself to explain to my 5 year old that his dad is not actually a vampire."
Russell Westbrook's wife, Nina on IG😔 pic.twitter.com/7GWO2dbRny
— nbaontop_ (@nbaontop_) February 10, 2023
Several NBA players quickly weighed in on the “vampire” report.
“Stop it,” said Donovan Mitchell.
“Put a name on it,” added Chris Paul.
NBA fans had Nina Westbrook’s back in defending her husband.
https://twitter.com/ADMBEATZ/status/1623888071195230209
This is nasty work. Be a better reporter. @mcten
— Chimdi Chekwa (@ChimChek) February 10, 2023
He’s 34 and not the same player obviously… But the hate and criticism have gone way to far. Former MVP, perennial all star, with one of the best seasons ever. Excellent NBA career and arguably a top 50 player all time.
— Nick Watson (@nwatson22_) February 10, 2023
NBA media is so toxic
— Blake⁶𓅓🌴 (@blakeKD7) February 10, 2023
Westbrook’s trade saga likely isn’t finished. According to an ESPN report Friday, the Jazz are expected to buy him out of his contract and seek a trade. The Chicago Bulls are reportedly very interested in a deal.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.