Rob Schneider is drawing backlash for a backhanded tribute to NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo – with the comedian using the former 7-footer’s death to push his anti-vax agenda.
Mutombo passed away on Monday at the age of 58 after a long battle with brain cancer – which he went public with back in 2022.
But Schneider, either uninformed or just completely tactless, decided to post his tribute to Mutombo by re-tweeting a 2021 video of the big 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 took a pass on the Jab and I’m gonna not let anyone I know (and who will Listen) get it either!’
Comedian Rob Schneider is being blasted over his poor-taste tribute to Dikembe Mutombo
Schneider decided to push an anti-vax agenda while ‘honoring’ the NBAer who died of cancer
Schneider was raked over the coals for his insensitive post – with people calling him various names and correcting him on the cause of Mutombo’s death.
‘He had brain cancer you a**hat,’ wrote one user underneath Schneider’s post.
Another wrote, ‘He had brain cancer. Which he got because (unlike you) he had a f***ing brain.’
‘Bro just stop with the propaganda. Its 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 child thinks you’re a f***ing lowlife failure.’
Another went down the same route, 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 know Dikembe; this is disgusting.’
Schneider was eviscerated 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 America 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 remarks, there were plenty of proper tributes to the 7-foot-2 legend.
The news of his death was announced in a statement by the NBA on Monday morning, whose commissioner Adam Silver said: ‘Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life.
‘On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.
‘There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core.
‘He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa.
‘I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.’
Mutombo embraces 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 on a visit to Kinshasa in 1995
Mutombo was notorious for his blocks, and became famous for his finger-wagging celebration to the opponent after denying them a scoring opportunity.
He signed a deal with Adidas in 1992 during his rookie contract and had a signature shoe that rivaled Nike and Michael Jordan.
In one commercial for his shoe, he took a jab at Jordan and told the camera: ‘Man does not fly in the house of Mutombo.’ 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 across the world of sports told stories about the 7-foot-2 icon.
On Twitter, NFL legend JJ Watt wrote: ‘An absolute legend on and off the court. Truly 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, beautiful human beings I’ve ever known.’
NBA icon Pau Gasol added: ‘I was very sad to hear about Dikembe Mutombo’s passing. Dikembe was not only great on the court, but a force for good off it, admired and loved by those who got to know him.
‘His smile, his values and his dedication to basketball, as well as to helping others, will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and his loved ones at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.’
Dikembe kisses Rose on the cheek (left) at the 2017 DMF Care for Congo Gala in Atlanta
Mutombo was drafted at No 4 by the Denver Nuggets in 1991, after starring for Georgetown
On a visit to Kinshasa in August 2022, Mutombo plays the guitar while US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (left) watches on
The 7-foot-2 center is survived by his wife Rose and three children: Carrie, JJ and Ryan – who plays college basketball for Georgia Tech and paid tribute to his father.
Aside from his talents on the basketball court, Mutombo was also widely hailed for his charity work away from it.
He once flew an eight-year-old child from the Congo to the US and paid for surgery to remove his tumor.
He and his wife Rose also adopted four children of her deceased brother, per the Chicago Tribune.
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.