Philadelphia 76ers middle Andre Drummond not too long ago discovered himself on the middle of a social media storm after ESPN’s SportsCenter account on X ignored his important rebounding achievement in a submit celebrating WNBA star Angel Reese. The incident underscores the significance of accuracy in sports activities reporting, particularly with regards to honoring athletes’ historic accomplishments.
The controversy started when SportsCenter posted a graphic applauding Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s rookie standout, for her spectacular rebounding streak. The graphic incorrectly acknowledged that Reese and Ben Wallace, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Famer, had been the one two gamers within the final 50 years to document three consecutive video games with 20 or extra rebounds.
Nonetheless, this declare omitted Andre Drummond, who achieved an identical feat throughout the 2019-20 NBA season. Drummond, a four-time NBA rebounding champion, pulled down 20 or extra rebounds in 4 consecutive video games, making his mark as one of the dominant rebounders in latest NBA historical past. The omission didn’t go unnoticed, significantly by Drummond himself.
IM NOT GONNA SIT HERE AND LET ANDRE DRUMMOND GET ERASED FROM THE HISTORY BOOKS. @AndreDrummond https://t.co/h1dCkDNr17 pic.twitter.com/ur6nTLcgUW
— Mitch (@mitchAliberti) August 27, 2024
Identified for his highly effective presence on the courtroom, Drummond wasn’t about to let the oversight slide. He rapidly took to X to name out SportsCenter for his or her error. In a submit that garnered important consideration, Drummond shared his disbelief with a easy however pointed message: “👀👀you forgetting somebody *cough.”
Drummond’s submit highlighted not solely his frustration but in addition the significance of precisely representing historic data in sports activities. For an athlete like Drummond, who has constructed his profession on dominating the boards, being acknowledged for such achievements is a vital a part of his legacy.
Drummond’s submit rapidly gained traction, with followers rallying behind him. Many shared their very own frustrations, posting screenshots and statistics to again up Drummond’s declare. One fan passionately wrote, “IM NOT GONNA SIT HERE AND LET ANDRE DRUMMOND GET ERASED FROM THE HISTORY BOOKS. @AndreDrummond.” One other fan identified the error extra straight, saying, “Actually did it in 4 video games in a row idk why they mendacity in your title.”
The outpouring of assist from followers underscores the respect Drummond has earned for his rebounding prowess. His skill to constantly dominate the boards is a uncommon expertise, and followers had been fast to remind ESPN and the broader sports activities group of his contributions.
Angel Reese’s Achievements Marked The First Time In WNBA Historical past That A Participant Has Recorded This Rebounding Streak
Whereas the error was some extent of competition for Drummond, it’s essential to acknowledge Angel Reese’s accomplishment. As a 22 yr previous rookie within the WNBA, Reese’s skill to document three consecutive video games with 20 or extra rebounds is extraordinary. She has already positioned herself as one of the formidable rebounders within the WNBA, and her future within the league seems extremely vivid.
Reese’s achievement is especially important because it marks the primary time in WNBA historical past {that a} participant has recorded such a streak. Nonetheless, the misstep by SportsCenter serves as a reminder of the necessity to stability celebrating new achievements with acknowledging previous ones.
Andre Drummond’s determination to name out ESPN serves as a robust reminder of the significance of recognizing and honoring all athletes’ achievements, previous and current. Whereas Angel Reese’s accomplishments are undeniably spectacular, it’s equally essential to recollect the historic context and provides credit score the place it’s due. Because the sports activities group continues to have a good time the subsequent technology of stars, they need to additionally keep in mind the giants who paved the best way.
To completely respect Drummond’s frustration, it’s essential to revisit his 2019-20 season. Beginning on October 30, 2019, Drummond launched into a outstanding streak, knocking down 20 or extra rebounds in 4 consecutive video games. His performances throughout this stretch had been a key think about his group’s early-season success, additional solidifying his repute as one of many NBA’s elite rebounders.
Later that season, Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets recorded 5 straight video games with 20 or extra rebounds. Collectively, Drummond and Capela grew to become the primary gamers since Ben Wallace in 2003 to perform such a feat, demonstrating the elite stage at which they had been taking part in.
