The passing of NBA great Dikembe Mutombo has stirred up a lot of emotions, especially with comedian Rob Schneider facing backlash for a controversial tribute.
Rather than honoring the 7-foot-2 icon’s legacy, Schneider used the moment to promote his anti-vaccine stance, which many found disrespectful.
Mutombo, who bravely fought brain cancer, died on Monday at 58.
He had publicly shared his battle with the disease since 2022, making Schneider’s post even more inappropriate.
Instead of expressing condolences, Schneider retweeted an old video of Mutombo advocating for the COVID vaccine, adding a snarky comment that raised eyebrows.
Insensitive Remarks Draw Criticism
Schneider tweeted, “Rest in Peace… I’m sure this is just (another) coincidence,” followed by his anti-vax rhetoric.
This drew immediate ire from social media users, who called out his insensitivity and lack of awareness regarding Mutombo’s actual cause of death.
One user sharply replied, “He had brain cancer, you ahat,” while another added, “He had brain cancer. Which he got because (unlike you) he had a f*ing brain.”
Critics didn’t hold back, with one imploring Schneider’s friend, comedian Adam Sandler, to reconsider their friendship, labeling Schneider’s comments as “disgusting.”
Amidst the outrage, some users also referenced Schneider’s strained relationship with his daughter, Elle King, with one commenting, “No wonder your daughter wants nothing to do with you.”
Remembering Dikembe Mutombo’s Legacy
While Schneider’s comments garnered criticism, many others shared heartfelt tributes to Mutombo.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver described him as “larger than life,” praising his contributions both on and off the court.
Silver noted Mutombo’s legendary shot-blocking skills and his dedication to humanitarian efforts, particularly in his homeland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mutombo wasn’t just a basketball player; he was a global ambassador for the sport, known for his kindness and generosity.
He famously celebrated his defensive prowess with his signature finger-wag after blocking shots, a move that became iconic in the NBA.
Tributes from Fellow Athletes
The outpouring of tributes highlighted Mutombo’s impact beyond basketball.
NFL star JJ Watt remembered him as “an absolute legend on and off the court,” while ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith emphasized his character, stating, “No matter what you know about him as a basketball player, he was an even better human being.”
NBA great Pau Gasol echoed these sentiments, reflecting on Mutombo’s smile, values, and his commitment to helping others.
“His dedication to basketball, as well as to helping others, will never be forgotten,” Gasol said.
A Legacy of Compassion
Dikembe Mutombo is survived by his wife, Rose, and their three children.
His son, Ryan, who plays college basketball at Georgia Tech, paid tribute to his father, showing the profound impact Mutombo had on his family.
Beyond his achievements in sports, Mutombo was known for his charitable work.
He once brought an eight-year-old boy from the Congo to the U.S. for life-saving surgery.
His commitment to philanthropy extended to adopting four children from his wife’s deceased brother, showcasing his deep compassion.
In recognition of his contributions to the game and his humanitarian efforts, the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets retired his jersey, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2015.
As we remember Dikembe Mutombo, it’s crucial to celebrate his legacy as a player and a person who touched countless lives with his generosity and spirit.
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