LeBron James

Jay Z gouges Phil Jackson while introducing LeBron James as 'Sportsperson of the Year'

Published Dec. 14, 2016 8:31 a.m. ET

Rob Perez

On Monday evening, LeBron James accepted his award as Sports Illustrated's 'Sportsperson of the Year'

Before he took the stage to deliver this rousing speech, he was introduced by none other than hip-rop/rap/R&B mogul Jay Z -- who had some special, thoughtful words to say about the event's honoree. Some of the words, however, weren't meant for just LeBron James -- but also for New York Knicks President Phil Jackson:

Transcribed:

It was only one month ago when a war of words between Jackson and LeBron began, with Jackson saying LeBron and his "posse" of Maverick Carter, Rich Paul, Randy Mims, and the other members of James' inner-circle require special treatment. LeBron responded immediately and dramatically:

While the issue was seemingly put to rest after LeBron and the Cavaliers blew Phil Jackson's Knicks out of Madison Square Garden last week, it now appears that this novel is far from writing its final chapter.

Jay Z slips in a Phil Jackson shot while introducing LeBron James #SISportsperson pic.twitter.com/0PIF2jFrE2
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 13, 2016

Jay-Z takes a subtle shot at Phil Jackson while introducing LeBron James as Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year: pic.twitter.com/Kp85FLYSWF
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 13, 2016