The Oklahoman is now apologizing after running a main story with the headline calling NBA Thunder All-Star Kevin Durant, "Mr. Unreliable."
The Oklahoman explained that they missed the mark with this headline. Mike Sherman, sports writer for The Oklahoman expressed that the paper does take great pride in their headlines and that for this headline the words were "overstated and unduly harsh." Sherman continued by saying "The headline and presentation left the impression that we were commenting on Durant’s season, career or even character. We were not. We were referring only to the Memphis series."
Sports Illustrated reported that the original headline was run next to a column that had been written by Berry Tramel. The article detailed that Durant had been struggling against Tony Allen and the Grizzlies defense. The Grizzlies and Thunder were facing off in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The social media avenues added their comments regarding the article. Even Kevin Durant's mother sent out a tweet regarding the article.
Typical Oklahoman on Kevin. UNBELIEVABLE!! KEVIN is RELIABLE!!!
— Wanda Pratt (@MamaDurant) May 1, 2014
The Thunder currently trail the Grizzlies 3-2, with Game 6 to be played Thursday in Memphis.