Sen. Ted Cruz and presidential contender Andrew Yang have challenged each other to a game of basketball with the loser giving money to charity.
The challenge started when Pat Ward, a Fox News producer, urged the pair on Twitter to play a game of one-on-one basketball.
Need a @AndrewYang v @tedcruz game https://t.co/JgTk0Qbh5z
— Pat Ward (@WardDPatrick) September 11, 2019
Cruz, 48, responded that he did not play with candidates who are polling less than 5%. Yang quickly pointed out that he had reached 5% in a poll.
Ted I would be delighted to beat you in basketball. ?? pic.twitter.com/RHFrdAfcZ9
— Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) September 12, 2019
“Bring it. 4 on 4, you plus three of your paid staffers vs me and three of my paid staffers (no outside ringers),” Cruz responded to Yang’s tweet. “Say, this Friday afternoon in Houston? The loser gives $5k to the (non-political) charity of the winner’s choice? Game?”
“Let’s play one-on-one. Give the fans a show,” Yang said.
Let’s play one-on-one. Give the fans a show. ?
— Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) September 12, 2019
“Hmm. You’re taller than I am. From the video, you’re probably a better shot. And, I’ve seen you dunking (on an 8-foot rim). Altogether, pretty strong. So … JUST BRING IT,” the Texas Republican said.
Yang said his team is reaching out and looking forward to raising money for charity.
The 44-year-old tech entrepreneur has been rising in the polls recently, averaging 3% in polls and sixth place in the Democratic primary, according to RealClearPolitics.
In 2018, Cruz beat late night host Jimmy Kimmel in a one-on-one charity basketball game. The duo raised nearly $80,000 from the game.
