Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving puts blame for OKC absence on bed bugs

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/1...eveland-cavaliers-says-bed-bugs-blame-absence

CLEVELAND -- Kyrie Irving says it wasn't a stomach bug that caused him to miss most of the Cleveland Cavaliers' win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

It was actually a bout with bed bugs from the night before.

"Our team said I was out with flu-like symptoms," Irving said after the Cavs' 96-88 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday. "It was honestly from the bed bugs from the frickin' Hilton that we stayed at."

The Cavs, like most NBA teams that visit Oklahoma City for a road game, stayed at the historic Skirvin Hilton Hotel. Not only is it known as the oldest hotel in OKC, it also has a reputation for being haunted by a ghost named "Effie," a former housekeeper for the establishment.

A spokesperson for the Skirvin confirmed to ESPN.com that there were indeed bed bugs found in Irving's room.

 

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14834924/cavaliers-kyrie-irving-gets-apology-being-bitten-bed-bugs

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Hilton Hotels apologized Tuesday after Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving said he was bitten by bed bugs during a weekend stay in downtown Oklahoma City.

Irving played just nine minutes on Sunday in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team blamed flu-like symptoms, but Irving later said he was not feeling well after discovering bed bugs on a pillow and ending up on a couch instead of his bed at the Skirvin Hilton. He said he didn't get much sleep Saturday night and had a sore back, too.

Hilton and environmental health inspectors from the Oklahoma City-County Health Department both called it an isolated case and the room was being treated.

"The comfort of our guests is a top priority and we are very sorry to hear about Mr. Irving's stay," Hilton said. "Since bed bugs can be easily transmitted anywhere and are often lodged in luggage or on clothing, our hotel maintains high levels of vigilance and we perform regular inspections."