Like many affiliated with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Austin Carr took to social media on Thursday to celebrate the news that Darius Garland and Evan Mobley had been selected to the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, bringing the total number of players representing the team in San Francisco next month to three after Donovan Mitchell was previously announced as a starter.
The Cavs legend-turned-FanDuel Sports Network analyst, however, attached a curious hashtag to his post on X congratulating Garland, Mobley and Mitchell.
He wrote: “Cavs have three all star, congrats, well deserved GO CAVS,” before adding “#ImpeachTrumpNOW.”
Cavs legend and analyst Austin Carr had thoughts on the team’s All-Star Game representation…and a little bit more. pic.twitter.com/8IftKSEXa4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 31, 2025
Well that certainly took an unexpected turn.
While Carr’s post was unsurprisingly met with differing reactions, both those who supported and disagreed with the Notre Dame legend’s use of the hashtag agreed in their surprise that he would use the announcement of All-Star reserves as an opportunity to make a political statement. It’s also worth noting that the post came at a time in which President Trump currently finds himself in the spotlight following his controversial comments blaming DEI hiring practices with regard to the fatal plane and helicopter crash that occurred in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night.
Then again, those familiar with Austin Carr’s social media activity likely weren’t completely surprised by his post. That’s not to say that the No. 1 pick of the 1971 NBA Draft often rages against Trump on X. Rather, the 76-year-old’s social media usage often comes off like… well… a 76-year-old using social media.
Austin Carr agreeing with himself is peak AC pic.twitter.com/KtFJFhfEAw
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) February 1, 2022
After remaining published to X for roughly an hour, Austin Carr ultimately took the post down prior to the Cavs’ 137-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. And in a subsequent post, he confirmed that his use of the hashtag was unintentional, writing: “Need help using my phone, note to self -double check hashtags before posting Go Cavs.”
Need help using my phone, note to self -double check hashtags before posting Go Cavs
— Austin Carr (@MrCavalier34) January 31, 2025
P.R. crisis averted. Go Cavs, indeed.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.