“Stubborn about what you believe in.” That’s how Oscar Robertson once described himself — not to impress, but because he meant it. The Big O didn’t just play basketball; he reshaped it. Thanks to his fight for player rights and free agency, today’s NBA stars hold the keys to their own careers. So when the ESPYs decided to honor him with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, it felt like a moment long overdue.

But instead of a standing ovation, the spotlight got hijacked by Russell Westbrook’s wardrobe. Westbrook, selected to present the award, made sense on paper. He was the first player to average a triple-double in a season since Robertson himself pulled it off back in 1961-62. A full-circle moment, right? Until fans noticed one distracting detail: Russ’s loosely hanging tie.

Dressed in a sleek black suit but skipping the formal finish, Westbrook’s choice immediately sparked backlash online. What should’ve been a celebration of legacy turned into a fashion debate, with many asking whether Russ took the occasion seriously enough. The Big O’s legacy remains untouchable. But for a night meant to spotlight courage and contribution, the attention veered off course — all because one icon’s outfit clashed with another’s milestone.

Well, Westbrook’s tie was clearly not in the right place, but his heart surely was. As he took centre stage, he highlighted Oscar’s impact on every NBA player’s life, “I may be bias but I don’t think there is anything cooler in a basketball game than getting a triple-double. Like I said, I may be bias… Oscar Robertson will always be the triple-double OG… But the reason I’m here today is to tell you about the Big O tonight is something a little different. A different way he changed the game for us. Today, they call the NBA a player’s league and that’s because of Oscar. His conviction, his composure, and his courage.”

In 1970, Oscar took the bold step of filing an antitrust lawsuit against the NBA, challenging players’ restrictive contract conditions. Team owners threatened him, his NBA peers hesitated to join him in the fear of losing their job, but Big O stood strong. It led to the introduction of the ‘Oscar Robertson rule’ better known as restricted free agency, changing the league forever. And Russ understands what Oscar’s movement did for player empowerment. But fans were more focused on his outfit!

Russell Westbrook accused of coming to the ESPYs straight from the bar after questionable outfit

Soon after Russ took the stage, his unique look went viral, as comments like “Tie is too loose” began flooding in. One netizen was left speechless at the lack of professionalism, simply saying, “Wtf !!!”

Sure enough, many found Westbrook’s look disrespectful toward Oscar, stealing the thunder away from his big moment. “You’re presenting Oscar Robertson. Tie the tie dawg or go tieless.” One remarked, calling out the former MVP.

Russell Westbrook’s fashion sense has never played it safe—and that’s exactly why it’s made waves. Known for his bold color palettes, ripped fits, gender-fluid ensembles, and fearless accessories, Westbrook has turned every tunnel walk into a runway. But with that daring flair has come plenty of pushback. Back in 2017, during his MVP campaign, Charles Barkley didn’t hold back, saying, “That guy might be MVP, but he might be the worst dresser in the NBA.” Years later, Westbrook’s skirt at New York Fashion Week stirred more debate, prompting former NBA player Rashad McCants to say—“Bro, that’s not it.”

Meanwhile, several netizens were also left wondering why Russ’ tie was so loose. One wrote, “Russ’s tie makes him look like he’s coming off a three-day bender” while another questioned, “He just leave the bar?”

While Westbrook’s ESPYs outfit did raise some eyebrows, it was likely never intended to disrespect the NBA legend. In fact, Russ and Big O share immense mutual respect and have always been linked together because of their similar playing style. So, it does not look like any love is lost between the two Mr. Triple-Doubles despite tonight’s controversial interaction. What do you think?