During a 2017 NBA playoff game against the Toronto Raptors, LeBron James grabbed a beer bottle from a vendor and pretended to take a sip, sparking a beer controversy. While James claimed he didn't drink the beer due to his preference for red wine, the incident led to memes and jokes on Twitter, with some interpreting it as a sign of disrespect towards the Raptors. The beer in question, Dortmunder Gold, was later promoted by Great Lakes Brewing using James' likeness, which reportedly annoyed the basketball star.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Date | May 1, 2017 |
Opponent | Toronto Raptors |
Score | Cavaliers leading by double-digits |
Beer Type | Cheap brown bottle beer; not an IPA |
Beer Brand | Dortmunder Gold |
Beer Vendor | A woman |
What You'll Learn
LeBron James pretended to drink beer during a game
James' gesture sparked various reactions and interpretations. Some viewed it as a sign of disrespect towards the Raptors, while others saw it as a lighthearted moment in the midst of a dominant performance by the Cavaliers. The incident also led to discussions about James' drinking preferences, with the basketball star clarifying that he is "not much of a beer guy" but would have taken a sip if it had been red wine.
The beer incident gained traction on Twitter, with users making jokes and memes about the playful gesture. Some users even suggested that the beer bottle should be sent to the Hall of Fame. The moment also had commercial repercussions, as Great Lakes Brewing used James' likeness to promote the beer he handled, Dortmunder Gold, which did not sit well with the basketball star or his business partners.
Overall, LeBron James' pretend beer drinking during the game against the Raptors added an unexpected and humorous element to the sporting event, showcasing the athlete's playful side and providing entertainment for fans both in the arena and online.
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He took the beer from a vendor/fan
During a game against the Toronto Raptors in May 2017, LeBron James took a bottle of beer from a vendor/fan and pretended to drink it. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the Cavaliers' Game 1 against the Raptors when James was fouled by Serge Ibaka as he attempted to go for the rim. James missed the and-one layup, which frustrated him. As he was carried to the sideline by the play's momentum, he playfully swiped a bottle out of a vendor's hand and pretended to take a sip before returning it.
The moment was met with laughter and applause from the crowd and his teammate, J.R. Smith. Smith's gleeful reaction sparked a series of jokes and memes on Twitter, with users commenting on James' antics and pretending to drink during a game. While James did not drink the beer, his actions became symbolic of his apparent boredom and lack of interest in the series against the Raptors due to his exceptional basketball skills.
Great Lakes Brewing, the brewer of the beer James handled (Dortmunder Gold), used his likeness to promote the beer, which reportedly annoyed James and his business partners. James also expressed his displeasure with the brewer for creating a "Quitness" beer after he left Cleveland the first time.
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James said he isn't a beer drinker
During a game against the Toronto Raptors in May 2017, LeBron James snatched a beer bottle from a vendor and pretended to take a sip, before returning it. James later clarified that he didn't drink the beer, stating, "I'm not much of a beer guy. If she would have had a glass of red wine, I might have taken a sip."
James' actions sparked a variety of reactions and interpretations. Some people took it as a sign of disrespect towards the Raptors, while others found it amusing. J.R. Smith, James' teammate, was seen enjoying the moment.
Following the game, James commented on the incident, expressing his preference for red wine over beer. This comment led to a minor controversy, with some people interpreting it as a sign of boredom or indifference towards the series against the Raptors. Great Lakes Brewing, the company that produced the beer in question, attempted to use James' likeness for promotion, which did not sit well with him or his business partners.
While James' drinking preferences may be a topic of discussion, it's important to note that his physical appearance and athletic performance suggest that he maintains a healthy lifestyle. Some fans speculate that he still enjoys high-end red wine in moderation, but his discipline and workout regimen likely prevent any excessive drinking habits.
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He said he would have sipped red wine
LeBron James almost drank beer during a game, but he didn't because he's not a beer guy. He said he would have sipped red wine, though. This happened during the third quarter of Game 1 of the Cavaliers' playoff series against the Toronto Raptors in 2017. James was fouled by Serge Ibaka as he tried to go for the rim but missed the and-one layup. In his frustration, he ran to the sidelines and took a beer bottle from a courtside server, pretending to take a sip before returning it.
James' actions caused a stir, with some interpreting it as a sign of disrespect towards the Raptors, who were being beaten badly. However, James later clarified that he didn't drink the beer because he doesn't like that type of beer. He said:
> "I'm not going to run over our beer lady... She had one in her hand, so I took it out of her hand. But I'm not much of a beer guy. If she had some red wine, I probably would've definitely taken a sip."
Teammate J.R. Smith and the crowd found the incident amusing, and it sparked a range of reactions and memes on Twitter. James' business partners were less than pleased when Great Lakes Brewing used his likeness to promote the beer he had held, a brand called Dortmunder Gold.
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The incident sparked memes and jokes on Twitter
On May 1, 2017, during the third quarter of the Cavaliers' Game 1 against the Raptors, LeBron James grabbed a beer bottle from a vendor and pretended to take a sip before returning it. This incident sparked hilarious reactions and memes on Twitter, with people joking about LeBron's preference for red wine over beer, comparing him to Stone Cold Steve Austin, and even suggesting that he would have chugged the beer if it had been root beer.
One Twitter user, @tcavanaugh14, commented: "Only a person in history to have something good happen after saying that #mvp #DefendtheLand". Another user, @getnickwright, tweeted: "LeBron pretending to drink a beer during the middle of a playoff game. It's almost as if the Raptors don't worry him... at all."
The incident also led to discussions about the Raptors' performance, with some suggesting that LeBron's actions indicated he was confident and in control of the game. User @YourManDevine tweeted: "Imagine feeling so confident in your control of a professional sporting event that you just go, 'Hey, here's a blog post, guys. Enjoy.'"
Some people even joked about what would have happened if LeBron had broken the beer bottle over his head or tried to drink it while playing with one hand. User @Truth_About_It tweeted: "Just what if LeBron grabbed that beer bottle & broke it over his head? That would've been something, right?"
The incident also sparked discussions about the beer's value, with user @amh1796 commenting: "That beer bottle that LeBron picked up is about to be sold for like 30k." Overall, the incident led to a wave of creative and humorous responses from Twitter users, showcasing their love for basketball and their sense of humour.
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Frequently asked questions
During a game in 2017, LeBron James took a bottle of beer from a vendor and pretended to take a sip. However, he did not actually drink the beer.
LeBron said that he decided to wait until after the game to drink because he is not much of a beer guy. He also said that if the vendor had had red wine, he would have taken a sip.
People found the incident amusing, and it led to a range of jokes and memes on Twitter. LeBron's teammate J.R. Smith also found the incident hilarious.