Steve Nash Takes Whining From Phil Jackson and Jose Mourinho With a Smirk, Wine

By now, you've likely heard about the latest stage of Phil Jackson's transformation into Grandpa Simpson: Complaining that Steve Nash carries the ball. You'll be pleased to learn that Nash gave that guff right back.

"It's news to me. I'm fortunate. I don't know if I've been called for a carry yet," he said after the Suns practiced Saturday, then he added straight-faced: "I've never heard anyone accuse me of carrying it. I mean, the best coach in the league Gregg Popovich (of San Antonio) didn't have a problem with it last week."

Get it? Popovich the best coach in the league?

"We have the best officials in the world," Nash continued. "I'll just leave it up to them."

That was clever of Nash to compliment the NBA officials. This way, when they screw up, they'll probably favor the Suns. (Also, the chances that Jackson doesn't respond with "I can't hear you over the ten rings in my ear" are infinitesimal.)

More intriguing, though, is the shot Inter Milan manager took at Nash. Apparently, Mourinho took issue with a tweet Nash sent about Inter's ability to play defense, and went out of his way to respond to that tweet in an interview.

“When I read comments by many real football people they understood how well we played that game and how much credit the players deserve. When I read some comments from some, I don’t want to say stupid people . . . For example, I read a comment from one of the best basketball players in the NBA, Steve Nash. He was saying that Inter could play that game with 10 goalkeepers. Fortunately, he plays basketball. He understands nothing about football."

Sick burn, dude! You totally nailed Nash, who played soccer growing up, owns part of the Vancouver Whitecaps, and roots for Tottenham Hotspur! He knows nothing about soccer and was making a completely inaccurate and malicious criticism about Inter! He definitely couldn't have been making a joke or anything!

Thankfully, Nash remains the smartest, savviest, classiest guy in the room:

Oops I must've hit a nerve. Don't worry Jose Mourinho I'll bring you a case of wine to Madrid next season and we can make up!

Wait, you can criticize Steve Nash and get a bottle of wine in return? Okay, Steve, your hair is dumb. Get in touch with me and I'll tell you where to send the 1990 Loire red of your choice.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.