Kyrie apologizes for handling of media: 'I've made a lot of mistakes'

Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving extended an olive branch Monday and apologized for his negative reactions after spending the majority of the season expressing his disdain for media obligations.

"The way I've handled things, it hasn't been perfect," Irving said, according to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. "I've made a lot of mistakes that I take full responsibility for. I apologize. I haven't done it perfectly. I haven't said the right things all the time. I don't want to sit on a place like I'm on a pedestal from anybody. I'm a normal human being that makes mistakes. For me, I think because of how fixated I was on trying to prove other people wrong, I got into a lot of habits that were bad, like reading stuff and reacting emotionally. That's just not who I am."

Irving has grown increasingly frustrated with media throughout the season. In February, he blasted those dissecting his interactions with Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant and last week told cameras: "I'm not gonna miss any of this shit when I'm done playing."

Irving has become one of the faces of the league after winning an NBA championship and developing into a perennial All-Star. He added that he understands his superstar status and must better represent himself moving forward.

"Being one of the top guys in the league, this all comes with it," Irving said. "It's a responsibility that I have to make sure that I know who I’m doing this for and know why I'm doing this. It's for the players that are coming behind me who will be in this league and setting an example for them on how to handle things and how to evolve within your career."

Despite the troubles, Irving is enjoying a career year, averaging 23.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 55 appearances.