Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 12: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks reacts after being fouled in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
A seemingly concerned social media post from Jeremy Sochan about injured Josh Hart briefly puzzled NBA fans before the real meaning behind the message became clear.
“Josh, are you okay, fam? What happened? 🥺🥺🥺,” Sochan wrote on X shortly after a soccer result involving Hart’s favorite club.
At first glance, the tweet appeared to reference Hart’s recent absence from the New York Knicks lineup. The veteran wing has missed the team’s last two games while dealing with left knee soreness, which made Sochan’s post seem like a concerned check-in from a fellow NBA player.
But the tweet had little to do with basketball.
Instead, it was playful soccer banter following a defeat suffered by Chelsea F.C. — the English soccer team Hart passionately supports.
Chelsea’s Loss Sparks Sochan’s Message
Chelsea fell 1–0 to Newcastle United F.C., with Anthony Gordon scoring the decisive first-half goal in the Premier League clash. Chelsea struggled to convert chances despite controlling possession and ultimately failed to find an equalizer.
The defeat frustrated Chelsea supporters and further complicated the club’s push for Champions League qualification.
For Sochan — a well-known supporter of Chelsea’s London rival Arsenal F.C. — the result provided an opportunity for some friendly teasing.
His tweet quickly made the rounds among NBA and soccer fans who recognized the subtle jab aimed at Hart.
Hart Is a Longtime Chelsea Supporter
Hart’s allegiance to Chelsea is well documented.
The Knicks wing has described himself as a “die-hard” supporter of the club dating back to his teenage years. He said his fandom began after the 2010 World Cup when he started following England’s national team and became drawn to Chelsea stars Frank Lampard and John Terry.
Since then, Hart has frequently posted about the club on social media and has even visited Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s home stadium, during trips to London.
The NBA veteran once joked that he owned dozens of Chelsea jerseys and often interacts with fellow fans online during Premier League matches.
So when Chelsea lost to Newcastle, Sochan seized the moment.
Hart’s Injury Situation With Knicks
While Sochan’s tweet turned out to be soccer-related, Hart’s injury status has been a real concern for New York.
The 31-year-old forward has missed the Knicks’ last two games while dealing with soreness in his left knee.
Hart last appeared Monday in New York’s 126–118 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he recorded 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting while adding 13 rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes.
Known for his relentless energy and rebounding ability, Hart has become one of the Knicks’ most versatile contributors, often filling multiple roles in the lineup.
NBA Players and Soccer Banter
Jeremy Sochan, Knicks
GettyJeremy Sochan of the New York Knicks looks on during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons.
Sochan’s post also highlighted how European soccer fandom has become a common talking point among NBA players.
Many players follow the Premier League closely, with locker rooms often featuring supporters of rival clubs who exchange playful trash talk when results go their way.
In this case, Sochan’s Arsenal loyalty collided with Hart’s Chelsea fandom.
What initially looked like concern about an injured teammate turned out to be something far simpler — a little cross-sport rivalry playing out on social media.