Klay Thompson has apologized for cyber-bullying NBA 2k marketing director, Ronnie Singh, following the beef over the former’s game rating.
NBA2k is a basketball simulation game that allows fans of the sport to step into the shoes of their favorite players in the National Basketball Association. Originally released in 1999, the game has seen its fair share of changes and upgrades, but with its rise in popularity over the years, one of the most talked about features is the player ratings.
In 2k, each active player is scored on a 99-point scale, based on their in-game performance, factoring in things like passing accuracy and turnovers, their durability and other statistics. While the ratings change each year, they also are the source and subject of many debates, arguments and even some online controversies.
Over the years, several players have spoken out about their rating, from Rudy Gay calling his 83 rating in 2017, a “Crock of BS,” to John Wall tweeting the game’s marketing director, calling him a joke over his 90 rating in the same year.
In fact, just last month, Klay Thompson became the latest NBA baller to react to his 88-three-point rating. Thompson addressed those involved with the popular game, calling them “bums,” which prompted a response from Ronnie.
“Even though Klay said that he hadn’t played NBA2K since the Dreamcast, the fact that he cares about his rating so much, I know that that’s not true,” Singh told Sports Illustrated. “I can see his gamer tag; he plays it just plenty.”
“But I also think him in specific, he was really upset about an 88 3-point rating. But you know what the funny thing is? That was still tied for the second-highest rating. I think that’s part of the issue of having a teammate that’s leaps and bounds ahead of everybody, like how do you deal with that?” he said.
A few weeks later, Ronnie2k was featured on ESPN to discuss the 2k ratings, and how far players go to get a favorable rating. When Klay caught wind of the interview, he slammed the company for giving a platform to a “clown.”
View this post on Instagram
“Y’all really interviewed this clown,” Klay said. “I thought NBA on ESPN meant coverage of some of the best athletes in the world? Not interviewing a promoter….Do better ESPN.”
The comment quickly went viral, which ultimately left Klay no choice but to walk back his statements.
“I would like to apologize to ronnie2k,” Klay wrote. “I was in my feelings about a fictitious rating and I took out my anger on him with trolling in the comments. Cyber-bullying is super lame and loser behavior and for that I am sorry bro.”
In response, Ronnie shared the apology and said, “Homies 4L.”
