Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott diagrams a play as Kyrie Irving (2) watches in the last seconds of the fourth quarter in an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat Monday, April 15, 2013, in Cleveland. Miami won 96-95. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan) (The Associated Press)
CLEVELAND – Cavaliers All-Star guard Kyrie Irving has apologized for missing a postgame ceremony for fans.
Irving was stripped of the ball in the closing seconds of Monday's 96-95 loss to Miami. He sprinted to the locker room instead of participating in a jersey giveaway on "Fan Appreciation Night." All the Cavs players gave away their jerseys and sneakers after Cleveland's final home game.
On his Twitter account, Irving extended an apology to "all the Cavs fans for my actions," which he called "truly unfair to you guys."
He added: "I'm very appreciative for all of you guys. Your love and passion for the organization and city is what pushes me to be great."
In the locker room, a team official attributed Irving's absence to a bruised heel. Irving disputed an injury.
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