Following Noah Lyles’ comment about the definition of a World Champion, a massive sporting debate has since erupted around the title.

Lyles, while speaking to the press after his triple gold in Budapest last weekend, referenced the NBA for calling its winners World Champions despite competing only in the USA.

Several basket players did not take too kindly to those words and let it be known. Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, Portland Trailblazers guard Damion Lillard, and Denver Nuggets player Aaron Gordon were among those who clapped back at the track star.

Sports personalities also shared varying views on the world title definition.

Women’s 100m World Champion Sha’Carri Richardson also shared her support for her trackmate Lyles via her Twitter account.

While intense discourse erupted among the NBA community, other online users posted more satirical responses to the comparison.

Lyles has however yet to respond to the controversy.