“What is in their mind?” NBA superstars DeMar DeRozan and Paul George BLAST Dana White’s UFC for disrespecting Russell Westbrook in recent PPV event

Russell Westbrook was clowned on at UFC 288. Professional NBA players Paul George and Demar DeRozan are not happy with that.

“What is in their mind?” NBA superstars DeMar DeRozan and Paul George BLAST Dana White’s UFC for disrespecting Russell Westbrook in recent PPV event

DeMar DeRozan & Paul George are upset with the UFC (Image Sources - MMA Junkie/Inside Sport)

Professional basketball players DeMar DeRozan and Paul George are popular players in the NBA. Both athletes have displayed great skills in the sport. However, in an unexpected turn of events, they criticized the UFC. Paul George is a host of the podcast that goes by the name of ‘Podcast P with Paul George.’ In a recent episode, he alongside DeMar DeRozan slated the UFC for disrespecting Russell Westbrook at UFC 288.

The UFC 288 event had a graphic that said, “Don’t be Russell Westbrook” prior to Gilbert Burns taking on Belal Muhammad for the title. This had made rounds in the American Basketball community. While the majority found it to be humorous, a vocal minority denounced the graphic. Among the minority, DeMar DeRozan and Paul George were two of them.

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“It was beyond disrespectful,” said DeRozan. He continued, “That’s how much these media have such bull***t narratives. I guarantee you it’s not one peer in our organization who would ever disrespect Russ in no type of way. Everybody understands how much of a legend he is in the game of basketball. You don’t find players built like that.” DeMar DeRozan clearly found the joke disrespectful and denounced it on the podcast. “What was in their mind to think that was a good idea?,” Dallas Rutherford, one of the hosts on the podcast, mockingly asked on his part.

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Paul George and DeMar DeRozan expressed their respect toward Russell Westbrook. Both players were highly complimentary of the Los Angeles Clippers player. The UFC 288 was a successful event regardless of the joke falling flat between a few basketball enthusiasts.

Related: “Imagine being Westbrook watching UFC and randomly catching strays” – Daniel Cormier roasting Russell Westbrook during UFC 288 leaves Twitter in splits

The infamous ‘don’t be Russell Westbrook’ graphic at UFC 288

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Gilbert Burns lost at UFC 288 (Image Source – MMA Junkie)

The UFC 288 was considered a massive success for the company. Headlining the card was Aljamain Sterling going against Henry Cejudo in the bantamweight division. The co-main event was Gilbert Burns, facing Belal Muhammad. The fight went the distance and ‘Remember the Name’ emerged victorious in the bout. However, there was a controversy prior to the bout.

As Gilbert Burns entered the octagon, popped up a graphic on the screen saying, “DC [Daniel Cormier] key to victory” followed up with “Don’t Be Russell Westbrook.” This was a reference to the winner of the bout fighting for the welterweight title. Russell Westbrook is known for reaching the NBA finals in 2012 and fumbling his victory. This was a comparison that Cormier had made between professional athletes. Although fans found it hilarious, fellow NBA players showed their disdain.

Retired fighter Daniel Cormier is now a commentator in the UFC. ‘DC’s cheeky remarks at certain points in his commentary career have landed him in controversies. The comparison he made between Gilbert Burns and Russell Westbrook, to name a few.

Despite offering his keys, Gilbert Burns failed to get his title shot. Upon winning the fight, Belal Muhammad is set to fight for the welterweight title against Leon Edwards.

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