Russell Westbrook’s Wife, Nina, and Ryan Clark (Image Credits: Getty Images)
Russell Westbrook, who recently joined the Denver Nuggets, is known for his ability to score near the basket, rebounding, durability, and intensity as a competitor. After his NBA debut in 2008, the 35-year-old, who was recently supported by a former NBA player, became a star as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, former American football safety Ryan Clark criticized him by comparing him to NFL player Lamar Jackson.

In response to Clark’s statement, Westbrook’s wife, Nina, took the stand for her husband. In her Instagram comment, Nina criticized Ryan Clark for comparing Lamar Jackson to her husband.

“My goodness! Just as a basketball fan, we couldn’t even wait for the NBA season to start up before the Russell slander begins? This doesn’t make any sense. The only comparison to be made between Russell and Lamar is that they’re both unicorns and amazing at what they do. I’ve never met Ryan, and I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but please stop. And finally… before you start hating on Russell, at least let the basketball season start and let him miss a layup or something first. I’m still enjoying the peace and the silence” Nina wrote in her Instagram comment.

 

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Clark received a rebuke from Westbrook’s wife, who pointed out that his comparison was illogical. She added that the only similarity between Jackson and Westbrook is that they are both exceptional at what they do.

Ryan Clark’s Comments On Russell Westbrook

Westbrook has achieved several milestones in his professional career, including winning the NBA MVP award in 2017. However, his most remarkable achievement is becoming the all-time NBA leader in career triple-doubles. Westbrook is one of two players in NBA history who averaged a triple-double for a season.

However, Clark believes that Westbrook is a great player but disappoints at crucial moments. During a recent episode of ESPN’s Get UP, the former NFL player compared Jackson’s mistake during the Baltimore Ravens’ loss against the Kansas City Chiefs to what Westbrook did against Damian Lillard.

“Lamar Jackson right now is like Russell Westbrook, right? you remember when he [Westbrook] and Dame Lillard went head-to-head and it got emotional, he couldn’t make a shot, right? Everything he was trying to aim, every time he was open, it was hitting the back of the iron. It wouldn’t go in. And what did Dame Lillard do at the end of the game? Dame little sidestep shot the three, and he hit us with the wave.” Clark said.

The recent season was disappointing for Westbrook as he averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 68 games during the 2023-24 season. However, the next NBA season will start in a month and a half, giving the 9-time NBA All-Star a chance to silence his critics with his performance.

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the ensuing brawl between the teams in a lengthy statement on social media.  

Al-Shaair’s statement comes as his three-game suspension as a result of the incident has ended and he is slated to return to the field for the Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

On December 1, an Al-Shaair hit to the head of a sliding and defenseless Lawrence caused chaos in Jacksonville. The defensive back needed to be restrained by several coaches and Lawrence has not played since taking the barbaric contact.

‘While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that l’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,’ Al-Shaair said on social media.

‘I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me.’

‘I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked all my life to obtain. That was not the way I want to represent myself or my family and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.’

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Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

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The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence

Al-Shaair said during his three-game ban, he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives for the first time, taking issue with how he was characterized in the official announcement of his suspension.

The defender said he thought his character and integrity were ‘unjustifiably smeared’ in the release but the meeting with Goodell and others was ‘productive’ and gave him hope it would not happen again.

‘In that conversation – man-to-man – I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,’ Al-Shaair continued.

‘I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.’

Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was not the only controversial incident he was involved in this season.

During the Texans’ game against the Bears in September, he punched Roschon Johnson, who wasn’t even in the game at the time of another sideline confrontation.

Al-Shaair ended his statement by saying his view is that everyone in the league office and on the field are on the same team to represent the NFL in the best nature possible, something he failed to do earlier this month.

‘Lastly, I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in others’ lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,’ Al-Shaair concluded.

‘I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a hell of a football player and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.’