ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo was very unhappy with the performance of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks.
During The Really Big Show Monday, Rizzo shared his displeasure as the franchise faces elimination as the higher seed.
Apparently, those inside the Cavaliers organization and fans weren’t receptive to Rizzo’s critiques. He responded to his critics Tuesday with a strong statement in which he said he’d never apologize for anything, especially for speaking for fans in the city.
“Let me explain something to everybody, ’cause I ain’t on social media and responding to everybody that had a problem with me lighting up the Cavs yesterday. You know what my job is? My job is to speak for you. You, the fan,” Rizzo said. “I don’t get paid by any of these teams. I’m underpaid by this company, but I don’t get paid by any of these teams. I say what I feel. I say what I see, and I’m sorry if you don’t like it.”
Rizzo then alluded to the pushback he received from those inside the NBA franchise, arguing that he’s helped kept franchises in the city relevant with the way he passionately discusses them.
“Apparently, people in the Cavs organization didn’t like me lighting up the Cavs. There’s no apologies over here,” Rizzo continued. “What the hell do you think I do? Do you know who the hell I am? I’m here for you. None of these teams — I love ’em, I keep ’em alive, I keep the passion going. They should at least respect that. Some of ’em get it, some of ’em don’t. Fine. Doesn’t matter to me. I’m not on social media defending myself. I don’t have to defend myself. I have a four-hour show every day.”
