Tweeting congratulations to an athlete during the biggest week of their career, is normally not a controversial thing. That is, unless the one writing the tweet happens to be the most powerful man in the world and a major mainstream media organization takes it upon itself to make a mountain out of a molehill.
Then, things can get truly and profoundly stupid.
Just such a perfect storm of silliness took place on Saturday, when TIME took issue with President Trump tweeting congratulations to #2 overall pick and noted Trump-supporter Nick Bosa, and not sending kudos to #1 overall pick Kyler Murray, “a black man.”
TIME’s Tara Law wrote:
Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray was the first overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday, but on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump decided to congratulate the number two pick instead.
Former University of Oklahoma quarterback Murray, who is black, was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and reportedly offered a $35 million contact. He’s also an accomplished baseball player, and was ninth in the 2018 MLB draft.
However, on Twitter the President congratulated Nick Bosa, the second pick, who was chosen by the San Francisco 49ers.
“Congratulations to Nick Bosa on being picked number two in the NFL Draft,” Trump tweeted. “You will be a great player for years to come, maybe one of the best. Big Talent! San Francisco will embrace you but most importantly, always stay true to yourself. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Bosa had been an outspoken critic of anthem-protester Colin Kaepernick as well as a vocal supporter of President Trump. However, when it became clear that he would likely be drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, Bosa said he would no longer share his political views on Twitter.
Law continued, including several tweets from Twitter users angry at the president for congratulating Bosa and not Murray:
You do realize that another player went #1 overall in the draft, right ahead of Bosa, right?
His name is Kyler Murray pic.twitter.com/xiOkXTMm3Y
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) April 27, 2019
FYI: The first pick in the NFL draft, Kyler Murray, is the only player drafted in the first round of two major sports (MLB). I think that deserves a congratulatory message, but we all know why he won’t get it from you!
— Robin (@rocodeedee) April 27, 2019
Congratulating the first white draft pick, and nothing to say about the first pick overall. #thisiswhywesayyoureracist #KylerMurray
— QueenSparklepants (@ALiberalCatLady) April 27, 2019
Of course, President Trump was among the first to congratulate Tiger Woods after his thrilling victory at the Masters a few weeks ago. So, while the president may be more inclined to congratulate supporters and friends, insinuating that race plays any role in that decision making process is baseless.
One would think TIME would recall the president’s congratulatory tweet to Woods, who is of both black and Asian descent. But hey, that was a whole three weeks ago.
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn
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