Serena Williams’ discipline choreography throughout Kendrick Lamar’s Tremendous Bowl halftime present in New Orleans on Sunday have induced some backlash.
Throughout a Tuesday section of ESPN’s “First Take” podcast, TV persona Stephen A. Smith and fellow commentator Shannon Sharpe each expressed their discomfort with the second. Their unease was rooted in rumors about an alleged previous romantic connection between Williams and rapper Drake. They each agreed {that a} spouse shouldn’t have interaction in “trolling” her ex, referencing her transient look throughout Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” a diss observe geared toward Drake.
Kevin Mazur through Getty Photographs
Former NFL participant Ryan Clark, a visitor on the present, identified that Williams’ efficiency went past a petty rivalry.
“She’s from Compton,” Clark reminded Smith and Sharpe.
Like Lamar, the 23-time Grand Slam title holder hails from the neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, and her “Crip Walk” efficiency was an homage to the world’s cultural historical past within the Seventies.
The 2 commentators, who’re each single, didn’t appear to overlook the cultural reference however maintained their authentic stance.
“We know that,” Smith replied to Clark.
“Even if she’s not from Compton, everybody knows her and Drake were together at one time,” Sharpe stated, including that the efficiency was an try to “get their lick back on Drake.”
Emilee Chinn through Getty Photographs
“If I’m married, and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass,” Smith stated, doubling down on his place.
Clark rapidly clapped again and humbled Smith, saying he could be a “kept man” if he dated Williams, presumably referring to their respective internet price.
Williams’ husband, tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, didn’t share the identical views. On X, previously Twitter, he praised the halftime present as “pretty fantastic,” and identified that Williams confronted comparable backlash after doing the Crip Stroll at Wimbledon in 2012.
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“Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance at Wimbledon 13 years ago and it shows…. This is bigger than the music,” he wrote.
