Kevin Durant’s Business Tattoos Are Kind of a Big Deal in Oklahoma
This photo of a shirtless Kevin Durant was taken in Japan two weeks ago. It lingered on Getty Images until Thursday, when this message board picked it up. The photo raced around the web in record time, and today, there’s a column in the Oklahoman all about Kevin Durant’s ink.
Durant confirmed the deliberate placement of his designs following a practice in early May when the Thunder was in a Western Conference semifinals series with Memphis. A day earlier on Twitter, I had verified a reader’s query as to whether the images on Durant’s chest from a previous photo were real. It sparked shock among my “followers” and led to a series of subsequent questions … Durant immediately checked his phone on the broadcast and told viewers he does indeed have tattoos before adding, “so what?”

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86 Responses to “Kevin Durant’s Business Tattoos Are Kind of a Big Deal in Oklahoma”
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July 25th, 2011 at 4:51 PM
Having visible tattoos has definitely hurt the likes of LeBron James, Allen Iverson and Shaquille O’Neal in the marketing game.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:52 PM
Thought he’d be more ripped than that. He’s got my body. Only about a foot taller. I AM sporting the Milwaukee Brewers ball-in-glove logo right above my belly button though.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:53 PM
You have to check with Mrs. Lead for permission to get a tat?
July 25th, 2011 at 4:55 PM
I tend to agree. So what? Durant’s savvy enough to keep the ink covered up under his jersey, making himself that much more marketable.
What? Guys with tattoos are more marketable? Didn’t Lebron have the best selling jersey this year? Kobe’s got tattoos. Josh Hamilton has tattoos. Who cares?
July 25th, 2011 at 4:56 PM
Durant looks somehow doughy and skinny at the same time. He’s only got about a year to get in better game shape for the new season
July 25th, 2011 at 4:56 PM
What? Guys with tattoos are more marketable?
Should read “less marketable.” Damn.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:56 PM
No, but it sure makes them look like douchebags. And I don’t remember AI being the face of too many products.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:56 PM
Josh Hamilton’s tattoos even comment on this site from time to time
July 25th, 2011 at 4:57 PM
$50 TBL has a tattoo. Of what, I can’t even begin to speculate. But there’s no way he doesn’t have one.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:58 PM
$50 TBL has a tattoo.Of what, I can’t even begin to speculate.
Top 10 list of internet sports properties, June 2011. Fin.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:58 PM
Matthew Stafford thinks Durant deserves a post about something other than his tattoos.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:58 PM
Who cares?
Revenue streams that those guy may not have access to. Like Franklin Templeton investments, or local Oklahoma companies who like assimilated types to shill for their junk.
Tattoos are pretty gross. I wish Taguchi wasn’t all tatted out.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:59 PM
Matthew Stafford thinks Durant deserves a post about something other than his tattoos.
I heard that guy was fatter than he used to be. On a reputable, cock based blog.
July 25th, 2011 at 4:59 PM
Agreed. Probably a lone chinese character that means something very deep. That’s the “safe” tat.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:00 PM
He’s got TBL LIFE arced above his belly button, or just a TBL on one of his shoulder blades.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:01 PM
Tattoos on women are gross. There. I said it. I will also admit that I am too big of a pussy when it comes to needles to even think of getting one. Don’t particularly want one either.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:01 PM
/team anti-tats
July 25th, 2011 at 5:03 PM
I got a feeling he doesn’t have one, but if he did my guess would be the barbed wire/tribal wrap around the bicep.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:04 PM
For me, this. For my girl, I don’t mind as long as she doesn’t go overboard. And definitely NO tramp stamp.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:04 PM
I’m on anti-tats period, regardless of gender.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:04 PM
Tattoos on women are gross.
Yep.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:04 PM
2 for 2. Even the “cute” ones like butterflies on ankles and such are skankalicious.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:05 PM
I got a feeling he doesn’t have one, but if he did my guess would be the barbed wire/tribal wrap around the bicep.
he seems like more of an ankle bracelet tattoo type
July 25th, 2011 at 5:05 PM
more often than not I agree, they just don’t age well. but I have seen some before that I wouldn’t mind using for target practice.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:06 PM
2 for 2. Even the “cute” ones like butterflies on ankles and such are skankalicious.
See, for me, the “cute” butterfly ones on the ankle or shoulder just scream “ditzy” or “vapid.” That assessment is void if it’s a tramp stamp though. Then it’s definitely skanky.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:07 PM
negative on the tattoo.
had a window post-college when i probably should have done it (had a hoop earring in each ear for a few years). oddly, if i looked at my group of friends from growing up … of the 10 closest, I think 1 guy has 2 tats, and that’s it.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:09 PM
depends on the tattoo and location, but I’m in the camp that a tattoo on an attractive woman enhances her hotness.
Even the sleeves.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:11 PM
Same camp here TBL, of my closest friends from HS & college, none of the guys have tats and none smoke.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:12 PM
Reminds me of that WWF wrestler in the mid 90′s who was covered in Asian symbol tattoos. I forget his name it was like Hakusi or something
July 25th, 2011 at 5:12 PM
I’m the only one of my friends that is tattoo-less, and plan on keeping it that way.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:12 PM
I did too. But just one ear. My student ID from Iowa has it. It was a horrendous look as I was rocking the chinstrap beard at the same time. Clearly my friends failed on that one as no one told me I looked like an ass.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:15 PM
At some point I’m going to scan my passport photo for everyone. Frosted tips, baby!
July 25th, 2011 at 5:16 PM
Frosted tips, baby!
Oh no.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:16 PM
Smart move by him. I would bet that very few endorsements have been gotten b/c of a tat while many others have been lost b/c of a tat.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:17 PM
I must admit that I had frosted tips for a few years as well. I probably looked ridiculous, but the girls loved it so I kept doing it.
/if they ladies love Vandross, you love Vandross
July 25th, 2011 at 5:18 PM
Did anyone sell more shoes than AI outside of Jordan? Ever?
July 25th, 2011 at 5:18 PM
Thanks Stark (I think). I wasn’t sure anyone ever noticed.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:22 PM
At some point I’m going to scan my passport photo for everyone. Frosted tips, baby!
You realize that you’re wading into douchebag territory with the frosted tips?
/apologies to Broccoli Beef.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:22 PM
ouch. in my passport photo I had hair down to my shoulders and sun glasses on my head with my eyes barely open. I didn’t know that they were good for 10 years. unfortunately I only used it for the 4 months I was in Europe and it just expired.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:23 PM
No apologies necessary, this was in my 17-19 year old years not last summer.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:23 PM
I have six tattoos. However (as of right now) I’m in radio so no one gives a shit about my appearances. Oddly enough If I do UK games or whatever on location I’m not asked to put on a long sleeve shirt, because others don’t find my tattoos “offensive”.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:23 PM
Tattoos on white people bother me more than on black people, probably cause they blend in better on us. I’m also team tat-free when it comes to women, it never adds anything.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:24 PM
It really depends. A bullseye tat on Toews’ girlfriend would be perfect.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:25 PM
I was 16. Shit happens.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:25 PM
I’ll be the lone wolf here: I like girls with tattoos, as long as it’s not a tramp stamp.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:25 PM
My driver’s license photo is from when I was19. I’m 28 now. That causes a few double takes at the liquor store.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:26 PM
Only one of my 10 closest friends has tattoos, and only one doesn’t have an earring (the token white guy).
July 25th, 2011 at 5:26 PM
It really depends. A bullseye tat on Toews’ girlfriend would be perfect.
Perfect….for sparty justice?
July 25th, 2011 at 5:27 PM
I’ll be the lone wolf here: I like girls with tattoos, as long as it’s not a tramp stamp.
Fire away. More ink free ladies for me.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:27 PM
Precisely. Sometimes the slutty look wins out. It really depends on what day it is, and what time it is.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:28 PM
Precisely. Sometimes the slutty look wins out. It really depends on what day it is, and what time it is.
…and your blood-alcohol level.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:28 PM
Approve.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:28 PM
Everyone is acting like if they see a girl that they really want to fuck, it all goes out the window if she has some dumb butterfly tattoo.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:29 PM
I never had the frosted tips; praise be to allah.
I did suffer from ill-fitting clothing and too much hair gel through most of my high school career, however.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:30 PM
Everyone is acting like if they see a girl that they really want to fuck, it all goes out the window if she has some dumb butterfly tattoo.
If she has a dumb butterfly tattoo, chances are I don’t want to fuck her though.
/sophistimication’d
July 25th, 2011 at 5:30 PM
…and your blood-alcohol level.
Can I do the not really for this one? I don’t but out the hot really too frequently but to you ATL_Badger, I say: Not really
July 25th, 2011 at 5:31 PM
I would fuck her but I wouldn’t date her. Who ever said anything about turning down sex? Only VD, of the non-curable kind, can make that happen.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:31 PM
I never had the frosted tips; praise be to allah.
I did suffer from ill-fitting clothing and too much hair gel through most of my high school career, however.
This is me as well but in middle school rather than high school.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:31 PM
but = bust
July 25th, 2011 at 5:32 PM
hot = not
I’m a mess today
July 25th, 2011 at 5:33 PM
Just watched Chris Matthews own this idiot Junior Senator from Utah. The Senator should have been wearing tats
July 25th, 2011 at 5:34 PM
own this idiot Junior Senator from Utah
I bet you he has some hot daughters though.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:35 PM
Seriously, it’s definitely no deal breaker. Now lighting up a cigarette… that’s a fucking deal breaker.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:36 PM
own this idiot Junior Senator from Utah
I bet you he has some hot daughters though.
And they are either prudes or completely crazy.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:37 PM
Really? No matter how hot she is? You people lie.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:37 PM
I’ve only really met 2 or 3 chicks that I wouldve banged but didn’t pursue it cause of tattoos. But to be fair both times they were borderline 6/7′s pre-tats with awful chest tattoos. I’m a boob man, can’t get down with that.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:37 PM
I agree. The right tat on the right girl is hot as hell.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:37 PM
This.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:38 PM
Eh, as a former smoker, a woman smoking isn’t necessarily a turn off. It can be very hot. But for her to be a keeper she has to quit at some point.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:39 PM
Oh yeah, 100% honesty on this one. I just cannot mess around with a cigarette smoker, that smell and taste just repulses me. There simply is no female hot enough to mess with if she’s a smoker, it’s my biggest deal breaker.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:39 PM
Really? No matter how hot she is? You people lie.
This.
Meh.. I speak the truth. I’m very picky. It’s both a blessing and a curse.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:39 PM
Just watched Chris Matthews own this idiot Junior Senator from Utah. The Senator should have been wearing tats
He must be quite idiotic to be owned by a gasbag like Chris Matthews.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:39 PM
Kate Upton smokes and has a tat on her back!? FUCK THAT SHIT!!
July 25th, 2011 at 5:40 PM
He must be quite idiotic to be owned by a gasbag like Chris Matthews.
After “he must have hot daughters” this was the second thought that ran through my head.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:41 PM
Matthews must have gotten a “shiver” down his leg once he owned that guy.
…sorry. I go on right after the right wing radio guy.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:49 PM
You realize that you’re wading into douchebag territory with the frosted tips?
/apologies to Broccoli Beef.
July 25th, 2011 at 5:50 PM
You realize that you’re wading into douchebag territory with the frosted tips?
/apologies to Broccoli Beef.
and by wading I assume you mean cliff diving in Accapulco
/OOPS!
July 25th, 2011 at 5:54 PM
Smoking is a filthy, disgusting habit. It doesn’t mean I wouldn’t fuck Kate Upton. You’re just picking out extremes now. And since you are a part of the media, I am declaring you to have ruined this discussion.
July 25th, 2011 at 6:02 PM
Yes it really is, and that’s why I’d have trouble with it. As long as she didn’t smoke that night we got it on, it’d be cool. But any time I see a girl go outside to smoke, she’s immediately discarded. You just can’t get that taste out of your mouth.
July 25th, 2011 at 7:50 PM
*fistbump*
July 25th, 2011 at 7:56 PM
love chicks with tattoos.
July 25th, 2011 at 7:57 PM
lots of awful tramp stamps in C-town, eh?
July 25th, 2011 at 8:04 PM
oh, i couldn’t care less about tramp stamps…good tats are good tats. id be covered if i had the funds and had something i wanted on my body.
July 25th, 2011 at 8:07 PM
I have a friend who has a lot of tattoos on his arms and neck and he complains when he gets turned down for good jobs. Sorry bud, employers can refuse you if you have tattoos in very visible places and you should know ahead of time that many formal businesses want guys who are clean cut above the shoulders.
July 25th, 2011 at 11:15 PM
When I see tats on a hot girl, hepatitis is the second thing that crosses my mind.
July 26th, 2011 at 1:47 PM
Maybe Mrs. Lead should get a few tats to keep up.