Rob Schneider is sparking backlash for a backhanded tribute to NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, and the comedian used the former 7-footer’s death to push his anti-vaccine agenda.
Mutombo died on Monday at the age of 58 after a long battle with brain cancer, which he went public in 2022.
But Schneider, uninformed or simply tactless, decided to post his tribute to Mutombo by retweeting a 2021 video of the great man promoting the Covid vaccine.
“Rest in peace… I’m sure this is just (another) coincidence,” the “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo” actor tweeted.
‘But I accepted the Jab and I won’t let anyone I know (and listen) receive it either!’
Comedian Rob Schneider is coming under fire for his tasteless tribute to Dikembe Mutombo
Schneider decided to push an anti-vaccine agenda while ‘honoring’ NBA player who died of cancer
Schneider was criticized for his insensitive post, with people calling him different names and correcting him about the cause of Mutombo’s death.
“He had brain cancer, idiot,” one user wrote under Schneider’s post.
Another wrote: ‘He had brain cancer.’ Which he got because (unlike you) he had a shitty brain.
‘Brother, stop propagandizing. It’s old,’ said another user.
Others pointed out how Schneider has a toxic relationship with his daughter, Elle King, with one user writing: “No wonder your own son thinks you’re a failure.”
Another followed suit, saying, “No wonder your daughter wants nothing to do with you.”
Another user implored Schneider’s friend, comedian Adam Sandler, imploring the Happy Madison creator to “reconsider your friendship with someone who would say something so despicable.” You already know Dikembe; This is disgusting.’
Schneider was gutted in the comments for his tasteless tribute to the NBA legend
Mutombo, who grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but moved to the United States at the age of 21, was selected fourth overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 draft.
He went on to play for the Nuggets, Hawks, 76ers, Nets, Knicks and Rockets in a stellar career, before retiring in 2009.
Aside from Schneider’s tasteless comments, there were plenty of fitting tributes to the 7-foot-2 legend.
News of his death was announced in a statement from the NBA on Monday morning, with commissioner Adam Silver saying: “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life.”
‘On the court, he was one of the best blockers and defensive players in NBA history. From the ground up, he dedicated his heart and soul to helping others.
‘There was no one more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at heart.
‘He loved what basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the African continent.
‘I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always approachable at NBA events over the years, with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice and trademark finger movement that endeared him to basketball fans of all generations.
Mutombo hugs Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James at the end of a game in 2021
Mutombo shakes hands with Prince Harry while attending Global Citizen Live in New York
Mutombo is survived by his wife Rose, whom he met during a visit to Kinshasa in 1995.
Mutombo was known for his blocks and became famous for his celebration of the opponent after denying him a scoring opportunity.
He signed a contract with Adidas in 1992 during his rookie contract and had a signature shoe that rivaled Nike and Michael Jordan.
In a commercial for his shoe, he attacked Jordan and told the camera, “Man doesn’t fly in the Mutombo house.” In 2013, the Adidas Mutombo was released as a retro shoe and quickly sold out.
Tributes quickly poured in for the NBA legend, as big names from around the sports world told stories about the 7-foot-2 icon.
On Twitter, NFL legend JJ Watt wrote: ‘An absolute legend on and off the field. Really grateful for the friendship and memories. Rest in peace Dikembe.’
Speaking on ESPN, Stephen A. Smith said, “No matter what you know about him as a basketball player, he was an even better human being.” One of the most beautiful and beautiful human beings I have ever met.
NBA icon Pau Gasol added: “I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Dikembe Mutombo. Dikembe was not only great on the court, but also a positive force off it, admired and loved by those who came to know him.
‘His smile, his values and his dedication to basketball, as well as helping others, will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time. Rest in peace.’
Dikembe kisses Rose on the cheek (left) at the 2017 DMF Care for Congo Gala in Atlanta
Mutombo was drafted No. 4 overall by the Denver Nuggets in 1991 after starring in Georgetown.
On a visit to Kinshasa in August 2022, Mutombo plays guitar as US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (left) looks on
The 7-foot-2 center is survived by his wife Rose and three children: Carrie, JJ and Ryan, who plays college basketball at Georgia Tech and paid tribute to his father.
In addition to his talent on the basketball court, Mutombo was also widely praised for his charitable work off it.
He once flew an eight-year-old boy from the Congo to the United States and paid for surgery to remove the tumor.
He and his wife Rose also adopted four children from his deceased brother, according to the Chicago Grandstand.
In 2015, the Atlanta Hawks retired Mutombo’s No. 55 jersey and the Denver Nuggets did the same a year later.
He was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2015.