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Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook’s pointed criticism of the local media following Thursday night’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans quickly became a topic of discussion across Sacramento sports radio, and one host in particular made clear he was not surprised by the veteran’s frustration.
During Friday morning’s edition of The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross on Sactown Sports, longtime Sacramento radio host Carmichael Dave addressed Westbrook’s postgame remarks, acknowledging the tension between players and reporters while also pushing back on the notion that the media should avoid tough questions during a historically difficult season.
Westbrook directed much of his postgame availability toward members of the Kings’ media contingent after a 133–123 loss. He questioned the context behind some criticism. He also suggested coverage surrounding the team has unfairly affected younger players. The veteran point guard finished with 19 points and 10 assists. The loss dropped the Kings to 14–50.
Dave told listeners that while Westbrook’s frustration was understandable given the circumstances, public criticism of reporters rarely produces the outcome players expect.
“I fully respect a player coming back at the media and airing his issues,” Dave said on the show. “My question would be to Russ, if he was sitting in here. Could you share any examples? You don’t have to if you don’t remember who said it, or if you don’t remember exactly. Could you please share examples of a false narrative?”
The Sacramento host also emphasized that criticism of a team with the league’s worst record should not come as a surprise, particularly when fans and media spend months analyzing a season that has unraveled.
“This is a beaten down fan base, and this is a beaten down media. That’s just a fact to life. This is the worst team in the NBA over the last 40 plus years,” Dave said. “Fans are walking around in purple neck braces from the whiplash they experienced. From being the beam team and the darlings of the NBA three years ago to the worst team in the NBA now.”
Westbrook’s comments followed several recent games where younger Kings players handled media duties after losses. The veteran referenced that trend while defending teammates. He suggested they may not yet be accustomed to constant scrutiny.
Dave said he respected Westbrook’s willingness to defend younger teammates, but added that professional athletes also must recognize the role media plays in covering a struggling team. Especially in a market like Sacramento compared to how media handles athletes in other markets.
“This isn’t calling out media. This is me, you. all of us. I don’t know that you could possibly have a softer, nicer, kinder, more feathery touched coverage of this abomination of a team this year,” Dave said. “It’s so bad that we’re now fighting amongst ourselves. You have fans literally rooting for losses, like that’s where we’re at right now.”
Westbrook, an 18-year NBA veteran and future Hall of Famer, stressed during his postgame comments that his intention was not to deflect blame for the Kings’ struggles but rather to call for what he believes is more responsible coverage of the team.
“My ask is that you respect what we do and we’ll respect what you do,” Westbrook said Thursday night.
As the Kings attempt to close out a difficult season, the exchange highlighted a familiar dynamic between athletes and those tasked with covering them, one that Dave told listeners likely will continue whenever performance and expectations collide.
“I’m not mad at Russ. I don’t have a problem with anything you did. I would love to have context to know if the grievances are real, or was it just rust, frustrated after a game. That’s all.”
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