Absent from Paul Pierce's jersey retirement, Ray Allen says there's 'nothing but love'

Ray Allen spoke out against rumors and criticism regarding his absence from Paul Pierce's jersey retirement on Sunday, writing a lengthy Instagram post praising Pierce and their time together as Celtics.

"Despite what you may have heard or read or what is rumored -- there is nothing but love. Paul and I are more interested in building bridges than putting up walls," wrote Allen. "To Paul, number 34, Congratulations on having your number raised up to the rafters. I salute you for your commitment to the city of Boston and to us the 2008 NBA Champions #thetruth."

What we did in 2008 was special! Not only by Boston standards but by professional sports standards. The truth is, without any one of us on that team we would've never been able to do the unthinkable. Going from last place in one year to winning a championship is unfathomable. But, we did it! WE did it- Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Tony Allen, P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell, Glen Davis, Eddie House, Kendrick Perkins, Scott Pollard, James Posey, Leon Powe, Gabe Pruitt, Brian Scalabrine, Doc, Danny, everyone at the Celtics Organization, our wives, children, families, the Fans in The City of Boston and yes, me. Over the last few years I have been berated, lambasted and had my name smeared. You may not want to hear this, but I will always be a Celtic. (Fact). I will always cherish the bonds that I shared with all of my teammates and the people in the city of Boston. (Truth). We all gave everything we had. We all won and we all raised the 2008 NBA Championship banner together. (Ubuntu) Paul Pierce is the first guy that welcomed Kevin and me with open arms into his atmosphere from day one and we never looked back. Paul and I have spoken about our time together as teammates- going to battle night after night knowing we could count on one another and we have also talked about my decision to leave during free agency- a choice I made for my family. Despite what you may have heard or read or what is rumored- there is nothing but love. Paul and I are more interested in building bridges than putting up walls. To Paul, number 34, Congratulations on having your number raised up to the rafters. I salute you for your commitment to the city of Boston and to us the 2008 NBA Champions #thetruth

A post shared by Ray Allen (@trayfour) on Feb 13, 2018 at 2:45pm PST

While Pierce's No. 34 was raised into the TD Garden rafters, Allen went golfing with George Lopez. Several outlets commented on Allen's absence, and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said that there was "no reason on Earth" why Allen should have skipped out on the ceremony.

Doc Rivers, Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett were all in attendance.

During an appearance on ESPN's "The Jump" on Monday, Pierce said he's not upset at Allen for skipping out on his jersey retirement.

"A lot of guys weren't there. And he lives where, Miami? I don't know," said Pierce. "To each his own. I have no problem."

Pierce did playfully chide Tony Allen and Glen "Big Baby" Davis for not being there.

"These are guys that I talked to every week so I'm more upset at the other Allen," said Pierce. "[Tony Allen] was just waived. He was at home. He could have been here."