It’s a familiar scenario to any coach in any team sport at any level. An angry parent wants to know why their daughter/son isn’t playing.
Jayson Tatum’s mom, Brandy Cole, has joined their ranks. In an angry social media post, she wanted to know why Team USA coach Steve Kerr isn’t letting her Jayson into the game.
Team USA is in the gold medal finals against France on Saturday, having squeaked out a 95-91 semifinal win against Serbia at the Paris Olympics.
Cole took to X demanding answers as to why Team USA has twice benched her son for a full game. Tatum led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Championship and is a three-time first-team All-NBA selection.
Cole aired her frustration in a reply to ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale, who was also curious about Tatum’s lack of playing time in Paris.
“Someone pls let me know is @jaytatum0 injured as he hasn’t received the PT ( playing time ) u would expect an All NBA player to get,” Vitale wrote.
“No he not,” Cole replied. “But if you find out what’s going on please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE.”
Cole also reposted on X, “If Kerr is watching this and willingly deciding ‘Yeah, Jayson Tatum couldn’t help here’ then he legitimately cannot coach in 2028,” by Barstool Sports’ Dan Greenberg.
Team USA head coach Steve Kerr said “it’s just a math problem” trying to decide who’s going to play.
“It’s not about anything Jayson is doing or not doing,” Kerr said. “It’s just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin [Durant] has filled in since he came back from his injury. It’s just a math problem more than anything.”
He also told ESPN he informed Tatum prior to the game how the rotation may play out.
“I went with the combinations that I felt like would make sense,” Kerr said after Team USA’s Olympic opener. “I talked to him and he’s incredibly professional. And that’s tonight. It doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way the rest of the tournament. He’ll make his mark.”
No he not. But if you find out what’s going on please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE. https://t.co/vtz1W398XJ
— BCole_Esq (@Brandy_N_Cole) August 9, 2024
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