The sports world has heatedly debated that “Could NBA players play in the NFL?” question for days now.
Patrick Mahomes shared his thoughts on the controversial topic Saturday. It’s not unusual that he joined the debate; seemingly everyone has had an opinion on the issue. What’s extremely unusual is how Mahomes did it.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and his wife, Brittany, were on hand for the Oklahoma City Thunder-Dallas Mavericks Western Semifinals game. Seated near broadcast row, Mahomes turned to ABC play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch and analyst Hubie Brown.
“Pat, unsolicited, just turned to Hubie and I and said Lu Dort could play in the NFL,” Pasch said, referring to OKC guard Luguentz Dort. “I don’t know if he was kidding or serious, but he said he could play linebacker, or running back.”
“Very nice compliment,” Brown said.
“Patrick Mahomes, unsolicited, just turned to Hubie and I and said Lu Dort could play in the NFL.” –@DavePasch 🤔 pic.twitter.com/rGEpr9IoKu
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 11, 2024
Mahomes probably knows better than to joke about this topic, which has become unexpectedly heated on social media and elsewhere in recent days.
Former NBA player Austin Rivers sparked the whole debate Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show when he said, “I can take 30 players right now in the NBA and throw them in the NFL. You cannot take 30 NFL players and put them in the NBA.”
McAfee pushed back, and so did J.J. Watt and several former NFL stars on social media. The debate quickly went viral. Former NFL wide receiver James Jones kicked it up a notch Wednesday on FS1’s Speak, saying Rivers “barely made the NBA.” Jones doubled down on Thursday’s show, calling Rivers a “bust.”
Rivers fired back Friday, calling Jones an “idiot,” and defending his original stance, saying that players such as LeBron James, Zion Williamson, Russell Westbrook and Ja Morant could play in the NFL.
We can add Dort to that list now, according to Mahomes.
[@awfulannouncing]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.