The day before Thanksgiving, LaVar Ball was being pummeled by President Trump for his perceived lack of gratitude.
From his Chino Hills home, Ball told CNN’s Chris Cuomo: ”Did he help the boys get out? I don’t know. … If I was going to thank somebody, I’d probably thank President Xi (Jinping).”
Trump tweeted: “It wasn’t the White House, it wasn’t the State Department, it wasn’t father LaVar’s so-called people on the ground in China that got his son out of a long term prison sentence – IT WAS ME. Too bad! LaVar is just a poor man’s version of Don King, but without the hair.”
It wasn’t the White House, it wasn’t the State Department, it wasn’t father LaVar’s so-called people on the ground in China that got his son out of a long term prison sentence – IT WAS ME. Too bad! LaVar is just a poor man’s version of Don King, but without the hair. Just think..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2017
…LaVar, you could have spent the next 5 to 10 years during Thanksgiving with your son in China, but no NBA contract to support you. But remember LaVar, shoplifting is NOT a little thing. It’s a really big deal, especially in China. Ungrateful fool!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2017
Other one-on-one coverage and commentary:
Rewatched this interview with Lavar Ball and whatever you think of him his point stands: in America, we don’t require people to give thanks to the president. So why badger him to do so? https://t.co/3uTzCLxnVZ
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) November 22, 2017
Trump, angry about LaVar Ball’s comments, tweets that he “should have left” LiAngelo Ball in jail.
Stephen Colbert: “Mr Trump, I know you’re upset — but maybe now is not the time to imply that someone’s kids should go to jail for what their dad did.”
— Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) November 21, 2017
I admire Donald Trump, he has the balls to say whatever he wants to whoever he wants, whenever he wants. President Donald Trump referred to LaVar Ball as a poor mans version of Don King without the hair!
Not only is that hilarious, but its SPOT ON!
I LOVE YOU, @realDonaldTrump.
— Mike (@mike_Zollo) November 22, 2017
If LaVar Ball is a Poor Mans Don King,
Donald Trump is a Poor Mans ________???Please fill in the blank#DonKing
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) November 22, 2017
Eminem, Miss Texas, Greg Popovich, & Steve Kerr, this is a list of folks that have gone after Trump & he hasn’t responded.
LaVar Ball, Marshawn Lynch & Rep. Frederica Wilson, all also belittled Trump for his politics & were all publicly attacked by him.
RT if you see a pattern
— Simar (@sahluwal) November 22, 2017
“The big blowhard: LaVar Ball has made a living off the backs of his children…When LaVar started his sports apparel company on the backs of his 3 boys, he was applauded for his courage & innovation. The brand has eroded. Big Baller has become a big con.” https://t.co/YOMZIVjLPK
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@DanScavino) November 22, 2017
The President of the United States was tricked into a Twitter war with the father of an NBA rookie, who is coincidentally trying to sell apparel and has just inked a reality TV deal.
Congratulations to LaVar Ball on achieving peak troll status.
— Emma Vigeland (@EmmaVigeland) November 22, 2017
what company is gonna get lavar ball in a super bowl commercial?
— MaBihLuhDoCocayOoh (@HPJArt) November 22, 2017
I’m Lavar Ball,…ya’ll
I’m lame, got no game, tried the ‘Dump a Trump’, to bump my Big Baller name.
Couldn’t swallow my pride, got no humility inside.
Prez called me ‘Don King, without hair’, hoping he wouldn’t go there.
My 15 min of fame, ended up in 15 min shame.
— J_Patriot_Train (@r_little_finger) November 22, 2017
Mark Twain said “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”
#WednesdayWisdom for LaVar Ball AND Donald Trump
— BallsOut (@bjcreigh) November 22, 2017