Josh Hart ‘breaks internet’ for bringing glass of red to press conference
The cybersphere is alight with theories over which wine Knicks player Josh Hart was sipping when he audaciously turned up to a press conference for the New York NBA team, glass in hand.
The New York Knicks triumphantly reached the NBA finals after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 on Monday 25 July.
But it was the post-game press conference that truly snatched headlines, with Knicks shooting guard Josh Hart turning up for the media event holding a glass of red wine, which he casually sipped while answering journalists’ questions about his team’s performance.
He was later seen carrying the open bottle of wine around the arena before leaving the venue, and fans have dived into full Cluedo-mode on social media to determine which wine he was drinking.
Pomerol pick?
“Le Pin is a great guess,” floated one Reddit user, referring to Pomerol producer Château Le Pin. “The bright red capsule with gold ring is exact, and the label is mostly white space with no picture other than the wine name, which explains why it looks like a totally white label with Josh’s hand covering the name.”
Another commentator added: “Definitely looks like Bordeaux. Beyond that, not sure. Latour perhaps?”
Indeed, others chimed in to add that Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, a Côte de Beaunes Chardonnay, is allegedly one of Hart’s favourites wines, intimating that he might also have an affinity with the producer’s famous Pinot Noirs.
Bragging rights
Beyond which wine was in the glass, viewers were torn over whether Hart’s drinking escapades at the press conference were a well-deserved part of the celebrations, or an unprofessional overstep.
On Instagram, @izul_zulkifly wrote of Hart’s glass of red: “He has his bragging rights and that’s a well-deserved one.”
Another posed the question: “Is this the most likable guy in the play-offs?”
Hundreds more joined the debate with comments including “You deserve it. Impressive run so far!”; “He earned it” and even “As he should”.
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“Kobe could never”
Meanwhile, armchair critics laid into the basketball star’s choice of glassware, and queried whether the professional basketball player would incur a fine for drinking while technically still on the job.
“Cupped the bowl and a crappy glass. Be better and win the damn Chipp!!” wrote @pinstripes_and-corks.
Referring to the professionalism of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who spent 20 years playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, one commentator wrote “Kobe could never”.
Another echoed the same sentiment, saying: “That’s one of the differences between Kobe and these dudes. Job is not done yet.”
The issue of whether professional athletes should drink alcohol continues to be a divisive one. In an exclusive interview with db, American football quarterback Drew Bledsoe slammed the notion that enjoying a glass of wine could have a negative impact on his health and performance.
“I think wine should be classified differently to other alcohol beverages – it’s something that you’re drinking for the pleasure and the taste and for how it works with your food, rather than just trying to catch a buzz,” he said. “I almost feel like wine should be reclassified as food.”
Following on from Josh Hart’s wine appearance, some claimed that wine wasn’t a “celebratory enough” drink to match the occasion. “Mate, sipping red wine is not a celebratory drink. If we are going to win this thing, please switch to something harder,” posted luke_cornish_the_fishing_guy.
No stranger to wine
Whatever you think of Hart’s decision to bring alcohol to the Knicks press conference, the NBA is no stranger to wine.
Former Miami Heat point guard Dwyane Wade was spotted sipping two extremely rare fine wines en route to watch his old team play the LA Lakers, while Detroit Pistons veteran Isiah Thomas launched the first celebrity-backed kosher Champagnes as part of his Cheurlin Champagne brand.
Not only this, but San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich owns Oregon Pinot brand Rock & Hammer, and recently put a 13-vintage vertical of the wine up for auction. Popovich is a passionate wine collector and is rumoured to be such a huge fan of Château d’Yquem that the iconic producer gifted him a bottle of 1949 d’Yquem, following decades of custom.
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