J.J. Watt and others destroy Austin Rivers over NBA/NFL take

Austin Rivers went there. The former NBA player opened the Pandora's box by suggesting that more athletes from his league could play in the NFL over footballers transitioning to pro basketball. 

On "The Pat McAfee Show," Rivers took issue with Pat McAfee for calling basketball "a soft sport" as they discussed Pat Riley labeling Tyler Herro "fragile" for being constantly hurt. 

"We've got to get you out of the football lane, man," Rivers told McAfee. "To [the NBA] where the guaranteed contracts are, where the best athletes in the world are — that's us. I can take 30 players right now in the NBA and throw them in the NFL. You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the NBA."

In response, McAfee asked Rivers to slow his roll, arguing that only Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Zion Williamson possess the body types to thrive on a football field. 

Rivers doubled down on why the NBA requires more athleticism and skill.

"You guys get a break [after] every play, all you gotta do is catch the ball and run north or south. It ain't complex."

As expected, Rivers' controversial take drew the ire of several retired NFL players. Former Texans defensive end J.J. Watt had the most savage response of all.