Rob Schneider blasted over tribute to Dikembe Mutombo after NBA legend’s death

Rob Schneider is facing criticism for an underhanded tribute to NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, with the comedian using the former 7-footer’s death to push his anti-vax agenda.

Mutombo died on Monday at the age of 58 after a long battle with brain cancer, which he became known for in 2022.

But Schneider, uninformed or just completely tactless, decided to post his tribute to Mutombo by retweeting a 2021 video of the great man promoting the Covid vaccine.

“Rest in peace… I’m sure this is just a coincidence (again),” the “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo” actor tweeted.

“But I approved the Jab and I’m not going to let anyone I know (who will listen) get it either!”

Schneider was trolled for his insensitive post, with people calling him different names and correcting him about the cause of Mutombo’s death.

“He had brain cancer, damn it,” one user wrote under Schneider’s post.

Another wrote: ‘He had brain cancer. Which he got because (unlike you) he had a damn brain.”

“Bro, just stop with the propaganda. It’s old,” said another user.

Others pointed out that Schneider has a toxic relationship with his daughter, Elle King, with one user writing: “No wonder your own child thinks you’re a lowlife failure.”

Another went down the same route and said: ‘No wonder your daughter doesn’t want anything to do with you.’

Another user implored Schneider’s friend, comedian Adam Sandler, imploring the Happy Madison creator to “reconsider your friendship with anyone who would say something so despicable.” You know Dikembe; this is disgusting.”

Mutombo, who grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo but moved to America at age 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.

Schneider’s tasteless comments aside, there were plenty of appropriate tributes to the 7-foot-2 legend.

The news of his death was announced Monday morning in a statement from the NBA, with commissioner Adam Silver saying, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life.

“On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. From the floor up, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.

“There was no one better qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at heart.

“He loved what the game of basketball could do to positively impact communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and across the African continent.

“I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand 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 was infamous for his blocks and became famous for his finger-wagging celebration at the opponent after denying him 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 a commercial for his shoe, he made a joke about Jordan and said to the camera, “Man doesn’t fly in Mutombo’s house.” In 2013, the Adidas Mutombo was released as a retro shoe and quickly sold out.

Tributes to the NBA legend quickly poured in, as big names from across the sports world told stories about the 7-foot-2 icon.

On Twitter, NFL legend JJ Watt wrote: “An absolute legend on and off the field. Truly grateful for the friendship and memories. Rest in peace Dikembe.’

Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN: “Whatever you know about him as a basketball player, he was an even better person. One of the nicest, loveliest people I’ve ever known.’

NBA icon Pau Gasol added: “I was very sad when I heard about the passing of Dikembe Mutombo. Dikembe was not only great on the field but also a force for good, 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 loved ones at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.’

The seven-foot center is survived by his wife Rose and three children: Carrie, JJ and Ryan, who plays college basketball for Georgia Tech and pays tribute to his father.

In addition to his talents on the basketball court, Mutombo was also widely praised for his charity work off it.

He once flew an eight-year-old child from Congo to the US and paid for the surgery to remove his tumor.

He and his wife Rose also adopted four children from her late brother, according to the newspaper Chicago Tribune.

In 2015, the Atlanta Hawks retired Mutombo’s number 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.