Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg said “field” instead of “court” when addressing the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, drawing criticism online.
“It’s shocking, and I think we’re all still in shock about what happened. And I think it’s a reminder that our lives are often touched by people we never even meet,” said Buttigieg, the 38-year-old former South Bend, Indiana, mayor, at a Fox News town hall on Sunday. “There are millions of people, not just in Los Angeles, but around the world right now, mourning because they were inspired by what he did on the field, what he meant off the field.”
Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. He spent 20 years with the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, during which time the basketball team won five championships. He is survived by his wife Vanessa and their three other daughters.
“It’s also, of course, such a tough human moment to think about, that he was spending time with his daughter,” Buttigieg added. “Her loss is unthinkable, as is that of everybody who was on that helicopter. And I think that all of America is united in mourning and sending our love and our thoughts, and of course, our prayers, to all of the families.”
“They were inspired by what he did on the field, what he meant off the field” — Pete Buttigieg on Kobe Bryant, who played basketball pic.twitter.com/nv67WSz4UK
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 27, 2020
Earlier on Sunday, when speaking to reporters, Buttigieg said “court” when referring to Bryant’s achievements.
“I mean, obviously, on the court, what he did as an extraordinary athlete,” he said when asked what he would remember most about Bryant.
The comments on Fox News, however, prompted sharp criticism from some viewers and online commentators.
“Does Pete Buttigieg know Kobe played basketball? Maybe just a metaphorical field,” one user said.
does Pete Buttigieg know Kobe played basketball? Maybe just a metaphorical field
— B (@Weeb3n) January 27, 2020
“This is especially embarrassing because basketball is like a *required* part of living in Indiana,” another user said.
My God, this is especially embarrassing because basketball is like a *required* part of living in Indiana. (Also a helluva way to attract that black vote, showing your absolute ignorance for a figure like Kobe Bryant.) https://t.co/z5xwUpc5mj
— Serenity Now! (@Cpo10za) January 27, 2020
Others also mocked the candidate for the mistake.
That’s how you nail down the black vote.
— jeff (@Cubs_2016_WS) January 27, 2020
My favorite Kobe highlights were the touchdowns he hit over the fence at Fenway Stadium. One goal!
— Ben K. (@benyankee) January 27, 2020
He loved watching him score all those touchdowns for the Yankees
— PA for Yang? (@PAforYang2) January 27, 2020
Buttigieg also responded to Bryant’s death on Twitter, noting the former player’s “magnificence on the basketball court.”
Kobe’s magnificence on the basketball court brought him fame and titles, but his greatest pride was being a father. The loss of his daughter Gianna is unthinkable. My deepest sympathies are with the Bryant family, the families of those lost, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) January 26, 2020
