Getty Images DeAndre Hopkins celebrating a catch.
Hours after retired Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin said on ESPN’s “Get Up” Wednesday morning that soon-to-be Arizona Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins and Houston Texans exec Bill O’Brien had a contentious conversation that involved O’Brien likening his influence to Aaron Hernandez, the four-time Pro Bowler is clearing the air.
Hopkins’ tweet reads: “This is being blown way out of proportion. As I’ve said before, I enjoyed and am proud of my time with the Texans. I have the utmost respect for Coach O’Brien and that will not change. Now, I’m ready to play for the Cardinals.”
Irvin Also Alleges O’Brien Took Issue With the Mother of Hopkins’ Children
Not only did Irvin say Coach O’Brien compared Hopkins’ locker room influence to that of Aaron Hernandez, the three-time Super Bowl Champion added that Hopkins told him O’Brien made comments about Hopkins having children by more than one mother.
Check out the full video and complete transcript below.
.@michaelirvin88 shared shocking details surrounding the relationship problems between Bill O’Brien and DeAndre Hopkins.
Here’s the full transcript of Michael Irvin saying on @GetUpESPN that DeAndre Hopkins told him Bill O’Brien once likened the wideout to Aaron Hernandez in a 1-on-1 meeting.
While this may have all blown way out of proportion, like Hopkins says, it arguably creates somewhat of a divide between O’Brien and the Texans fanbase, who are still looking for answers as to why he let Hopkins walk for such a low bargain.
More Analysts Sound off About Hopkins-O’Brien Relationship
Considering “First Take” follows “Get Up,” co-host Stephen A. Smith was one of the first to react to Irvin’s revelation, tweeting his thoughts before going on air.
Did y’all hear what @michaelirvin88 just said to @Espngreeny on @GetUpESPN: that @HoustonTexans coach Bill O’Brien actually called @DeAndreHopkins into his office and mentioned the late Aaron Hernandez in the same breath as D-Hop?? Oh! I’m really done with O’Brien if that’s true.
While on the show, Smith, Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim Rose spoke with former Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark about O’Brien’s alleged comments and he offered his own reasoning as to why the former Penn State coach mentioned Hopkins and Hernandez in the same breath.
.@Realrclark25 had a strong reaction after hearing Michael Irvin’s account of what happened between Bill O’Brien and DeAndre Hopkins.
“To say something about Aaron Hernandez is out of line,” Clark said. “And to talk about baby mamas, and I agree with Stephen A. If he’s talking about them being around the building, then he has a right to say that. Let’s not forget. This is not to throw shade or negativity at this person. But, Tom Brady also has babies with different women and nobody speaks about that.”
It’s certainly a topic that won’t be shelved anytime soon, considering we’re entering one of the busiest parts of the NFL offseason. O’Brien has yet to respond, but it’s refreshing to see Hopkins looking forward to the next chapter of his already-iconic NFL career.