Noah Lyles’ Blunt Words After Rai Benjamin Speaks Up on Olympic Backlash

Since competing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, gold medalist Noah Lyles has received heavy slander on social media. On early Saturday morning, Lyles responded to his critics.

In a video posted to X, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco hosted Rai Benjamin, a gold medalist in the men's 400m hurdles and a U.S. teammate of Noah Lyles' in Paris, on their Night Cap podcast. They discussed Benjamin's experience at the games and even mentioned Noah.

Benjamin spoke highly of his American cohort, stating, "I'm tired of the Noah Lyles' slander, man. That's my guy."

Rai, who has been a friend of Lyles' since their youth track and field days, no longer wants to see fans bashing him.

Lyles viewed the video and appreciated Rai's comments. He promptly replied, stating, "Thanks bro! It just comes with the territory when you at the top."

Many fans believe Lyles has earned the criticism due to his confident, some might say cocky, attitude. This is not the only occasion where he has been outspoken. His name has been trending over the last week and even made world headlines a year ago.

After winning three gold medals at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Lyles claimed NBA champions were not world champions.

There are varying opinions on whether NBA players can be considered world champions. Noah Lyles, who competes for Team USA, confidently stated that NBA players don't represent their country in that league. However, if they win the Olympic basketball tournament or FIBA World Cup, perhaps Lyles would give them credit.

He later brought his confident personality to the Olympics, speaking directly to a broadcast camera immediately after winning the men's 100m gold medal.

"America! I told you, I got this!" he said.

He didn't stop there. After the Olympics, Noah claimed he didn't know who Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was after Hill claimed he would beat Lyles in a race.

Even though he likely did, it's uncertain if Lyles was just pretending not to know him.

Related: Fans Roasting Noah Lyles After Appearing to Troll Tyreek Hill