Riley: 'I don't worry about what critics say'

Miami Heat president Pat Riley couldn't care less about those who have criticized his managing of the organization.

During an appearance on the "Le Batard & Friends - South Beach Sessions" podcast Thursday, Riley was asked to respond to critics who declared him "washed up" following the Heat's first-round playoff loss to the eventual champion Boston Celtics last season.

"Whoever's saying that, I haven't read it because I'm not on any social media site. Not one," Riley said. "And I don't care, because I've had my ass kicked by the Celtics enough when I was coaching and they're a great team.

"They put together a great organization, they put together a great team. They have broken all the records financially, too, so they've committed themselves. New York has gotten better, and they're going for it. Philly's going for it. We're going for it, too, we're going for it, and this is an important year for the Heat."

The 79-year-old went on to acknowledge that critics may be right about him, but he's not ready to retire just yet.

"I don't worry about what critics say because maybe I am (washed up)," Riley said. "Maybe I should go somewhere and just put my feet up, but I would then become obsessive about doing something else, and you don't want me in that state of mind."

Riley has served as the Heat's president since 1995 and was previously head coach of the team from 1995 through 2003 and again from 2005-08.