Detail in social media post of Rudy Gobert sparks furious backlash

An image of NBA player Rudy Gobert has set the internet alight for all the wrong reasons and it’s all thanks to one tiny detail.

Detail in Gobert image sparks backlash

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Rudy Gobert have found themselves at the centre of social media backlash over one upload.

A seemingly innocent image of Gobert holding up a giant thank you card quickly whipped around the internet for all the wrong reasons.

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Wolves star Gobert received the card from works at the Target Center Arena in Minnesota after he gifted them each $50 as a Christmas gift.

It’s the second straight season the 31-year-old French big man has done the act to those who work at the team’s home venue.

“Target Center arena ushers and workers got an early holiday gift when they showed up today: A personally signed card from Rudy Gobert with $50 in it for each of them. Really nice gesture from the big man, who did it last season as well,” Jon Krawczynski wrote.

🫶 https://t.co/ViorEyZu0epic.twitter.com/6HhLA7cY0t

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 2, 2024

Unfortunately the touching gesture has been overlooked thanks to one message from an unidentified worked.

While most messages on the card were generic messages of thanks to the three-time all-star, one in particular caught the eye of social media users.

Directly underneath Rudy on the card was the message that read: “Covid Schmovid. Thanks.”

Gobert became the face of Covid for the NBA after he tested positive in March 2020, which resulted in the league shutting down the season

The Frenchman had made light of the coronavirus situation two days before he returned his positive test as he ignored league precautions to isolate players from the media.

At the completion of a media availability which was conducted with Gobert at a distance from the reporters, the big man leaned over and touched every reporters recorder.

It’s what saw social media erupt after the message on the card was picked up.

What makes the message even worse is the fact that Wolves teammate Karl Anthony-Towns lost his mother during the pandemic to Covid.

One user wrote in response to the image: “covid shmovid knowing KAT lost his mom to that s*** is bottom 5 worst thing to ever write on a thank you card.”

Does that shit say “Covid Schmovid” https://t.co/z7cP6AJmSJ

— Pranav Sriraman (@PranavSriraman) January 2, 2024

“covid shmovid” knowing KAT lost his mom to that shit is bottom 5 worst thing to ever write on a thank you card https://t.co/BmSaHClWRw

— 💛 (@timbergoat) January 2, 2024

Gobert, then with the Utah Jazz, later pledged $AUD800,000 to help those affected by the NBA shutdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

“I know there are countless ways that people have been impacted. These donations are a small token that reflect my appreciation and support for all those impacted and are the first of many steps I will take,” Gobert said.

The money was divided into three groups with $300,000 in aid to part-time employees at the Jazz’s arena, another $300,000 was used to assist families affected by the outbreak in Utah and Oklahoma City. He also pledged $200,000 for health care in his native France.