Loyola Chicago players were fired on social media for ignoring team chaplain Sister Dean Schmidt.
The 105-year-old religious sister became a viral sensation during the 2018 NCAA tournament for her consistent presence on the court for the Ramblers. The team would appear in the Final Four, with many pointing to Sister Jean’s prayers for their success.
However, fans were furious after a video circulated on social media showing players ignoring her fist bump attempt.
After Loyola’s 76-54 win over Eastern Michigan, Sister Jean waited in her wheelchair near the tunnel to offer a gesture of congratulations to the players.
The clip shows forward Jack Turner, guard Justin Moore and forward Jalen DeLoach blatantly ignoring the Chaplain despite the team being in good spirits. This came after a few teammates honored Sister Jean’s gesture.
Basketball fans are outraged at Loyola Chicago players for ignoring Sister Jean after a win
“Bro this shit made me so mad,” one user wrote. ‘Like you can’t see her sitting there!!!!’
“I hope they don’t win another game,” wrote another.
“Damn these guys have no respect,” a third claimed. “May they lose the first day of their own conference tournament!!”
“That’s one of the rudest moments I’ve seen in sports. They’ll never be Champs, but they sure are Chumps,” a fourth added.
Meanwhile, a fifth wondered what would happen if they were white and they were black.
The win over Eastern Michigan moved the Ramblers to 7-0 as they sit atop the A-10 Conference. Their next five games will remain on their campuses, starting with the visit of the University of South Florida on Dec. 7.
Sister Jean turned centenarian just over a year after becoming a beloved figure among college basketball fans during March Madness. Her birthday, August 21, was declared ‘Sister Jean Day’ throughout the state of Illinois by Governor JD Pritzker.
In 2022, the plaza outside the Loyola CTA station was dedicated to Sister Jean for her 103rd birthday.
US President Joe Biden declared Sister Jean a lifetime of service when she turned 105 earlier this year.