After standing atop the podium on the tracks of Budapest, Noah Lyles is girded up to perform his magic at the 2023 Zurich Diamond League. The American track sensation clinched three gold medals, as he secured top spots in the 100m and 200m while also helping his country to a gold in the 4x100m relay.

This made Lyles, only the third athlete in history, to win three consecutive 200m titles after Usain Bolt and Allyson Felix. But despite the world championships being over, Noah Lyles continues to make headlines each day.

During a press conference in Budapest, Lyles expressed his discomfort with the NBA referring to its winners as the world champions despite it being a national competition. His statements were not well received by NBA stars, who quickly took to social media and called out the world champion. However, there also remains a section of professional athletes who have been defending Lyles against the scrutiny he has been receiveing from basketball stars.

Robert Griffin III reacts to De’Aaron Fox’s bizarre claim

Shortly after his 200m domination in Budapest, Lyles remarked, “I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have world champion on their heads. World champion of what? The United States?”

Post this, NBA and Olympic gold medal winner Kevin Durant commented, “Somebody help this brother.” Joining him, Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon said, “Whatever… I’m smoking buddy in the 200m.” Now, Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox has joined the debate on X and tweeted, “Can’t say I’ve seen anyone actually talking about track lol so we can agree to disagree on that one.” 

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He was engaging in a conversation with former Washington Redskins’ quarterback Robert Griffin III, who has been defending Noah Lyles for his perspective.

Countering Fox’s comments about track and field, Griffin III highlighted how all major media outlets are covering Noah Lyles and the NBA controversy. While responding to the point guard’s claims, Griffin III wrote, “You are talking about it right now. All the major media outlets have been talking about Noah Lyles for a week. For better or worse, there are more eyes on Track and Field now.” 

As people continue to take sides in the ever-growing debate, NBA analyst, Stephen A. Smith, has actually made a U-turn on his previous comments about Noah Lyles and even apologized to him on air.

Stephen Anthony Smith apologizes on air

As the American sprinting icon became the subject of perusal among the NBA enthusiasts, prominent NBA analyst and television personality Stephen Anthony Smith, also made his thoughts known.

According to a Marca report, just a few days ago, Smith said, “Lyles just came across as flagrantly ignorant. And that needs to be said. The NBA has established itself as a global iconic brand.”

However, the NBA analyst took his words back and claimed that his remarks about Lyles may have been inaccurate as he went on to apologize to Lyles on national television.

Smith further stated, “My opinion about what he said, I thought I was a bit harsh… we still disagree to some degree, but the bottom line is the word ‘ignorant’, that was just inaccurate on my part.” 

Read more: “Controversy Sells”: Noah Lyles under ‘Clout Shade’ after Dropping the Perfect NBA Publicity Stunt

With everybody’s eyes focused on this growing controversy, track and field does remain in the limelight, as Robert Griffin III suggests. Following this, the sprinting star’s fandom awaits the return of Lyles on the tracks of Letzigrund stadium and is all set to witness another blazing run at the 2023 Zurich Diamond League.

Watch this story: Witness the Genesis of the Legend of Noah Lyles: The Finish You Know, the Start You Don’t