Former Republican ‘America First’ candidate Sam Parker discovers netball and loses his mind

A self-styled “America First nationalist” who recently called for the deportation of Selena Gomez has gone on another online tirade.

Here we go.

A self-styled “America First” Republican candidate and perennial social media ranter who recently called for the deportation of Selena Gomez has gone on another online tirade after discovering the sport of netball.

Sam Parker has become one of many public figures who have turn to X to trumpet provocative views to boost their own profile. He attracts attention by posting about Jewish conspiracies and the woke movement, usually accompanied by poorly edited images and sentences typed entirely in caps lock.

“TIL someone actually watched girls basketball and had the idea to make it even worse. Incredible. I feel like a vegan already,” he tweeted, alongside footage of an international netball match between Australia and England.

In a follow-up tweet, Parker doubled down with a screenshot from Wikipedia highlighting that netball was born from a “misinterpretation” of the basketball rulebook in 1895.

“Holy smoke. Invented by a woman who misread the basketball rule book. Lol. LMAO,” he wrote.

The responses to his netball epiphany were predictably mixed. Some online commentators were quick to jump on the pile-on, joining Parker in mocking the sport.

A self-styled “America First nationalist” who recently called for the deportation of Selena Gomez has gone on another online tirade.

Sam Parker has become one of many public figures who have turn to X to trumpet provocative views to boost their own profile.

“What the hell is this,” one wrote.

“Hell,” Parker replied.

But others hit back hard.

“It’s a highly skilled sport dominated by women, hardly surprising you demeaned it. I’d be stunned if you could understand it,” one person wrote.

“Maybe you’d like Rugby - Union or League. They’re like gridiron but without all the woke pads and helmets.”

“An absolutely great game,” another wrote.

He went on a deep dive.

“Netball is one my favourites to teach as teamwork is essential and one player can not dominate like in basketball. A combination of European Handball and Basketball ... There are sports outside USA.”

As much as it might pain him to hear, Parker the sport is not some obscure novelty.

Netball has evolved into a globally recognised sport played by millions, particularly in Commonwealth countries. Australia, New Zealand, and England treat it as a national institution. Entire stadiums fill for international matches. Sponsors queue. Schoolkids emulate their heroes.

While it might not have the same level of violence — and post-career CTE — that popular American pass-times, it is very much a real sport.

Originally published as Former Republican ‘America First’ candidate Sam Parker discovers netball and loses his mind