- Adam Silver was asked about his possible role in international relations
- And fans couldn't understand why he mentioned Henry Kissinger
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Fans and media are attacking NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after he praised Henry Kissinger while discussing the global impact of sports on The Pat McAfee Show.
Kissinger, the former US Secretary of State, died last week at the age of 100.
And Silver invoked the ex-diplomat when McAfee asked him if he felt obligated to be involved in international relations.
“I've been reading a lot of these long obituaries around the death of Henry Kissinger at 100… he was kind of an example of one of the great global diplomats,” Silver said.
'Of course I believe that we should have a strong army, I am a big believer in that. At the same time, call it soft power, or call it diplomacy, I think through sports, through culture, through art, it brings together connectivity with people from different cultures and backgrounds.”
Silver was roundly panned for his comments.
“Henry Kissinger is not someone I would want to compare myself to, yes,” an X user commented on Awful Announcing's video post.
Adam Silver invoked Henry Kissinger when explaining the NBA's overseas impact
“I don't care how many successful seasonal tournaments he puts on, this man will always be a clown to me,” said another.
“What kills me is that this man said this without being asked,” another fan added.
Kissinger was the chief architect of American foreign policy under President Nixon and is known, among other things, for his efforts that led to China's diplomatic opening, as well as his highly controversial role in the Vietnam War.
And while Silver undoubtedly helped the NBA become more global with overseas games and the integration of international players, fans took issue with him aligning himself with Kissinger.
“That's a big misep for Adam Silver, wooooof,” said another.
“Wait… Adam Silver said he had read Henry Kissinger's obituaries and took away that he was an 'example of one of the great global diplomats,' wrote Sam Neumann, who works for Awful Announcing.
“I couldn't think of anything dumber or more outrageous to say. Good lord man. Feel a little ashamed.'
Henry Kissinger, a foreign policy giant, died at his home at the age of 100
The New York Yankees also shared a tribute to Kissinger last week – which they were also heavily criticized for.
The German-born Jewish refugee had been an avid Yankees fan since childhood.
“The Yankees are deeply saddened by the passing of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who served in varied and crucial diplomatic and advisory roles during his distinguished career,” said a statement released Wednesday.
“He was a lifelong friend of the Yankees organization and was a welcome guest of the Steinbrenner family at Yankee Stadium. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed.”