A Republican lawmaker introduced a resolution to honor Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell, disparage Shaquille O’Neal

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Representative Kera Birkeland’s resolution also proposes to make ‘Spida’ the official arachnid of the state

(Photos courtesy of Utah House Republicans / Twitter) Rep. Kera Birkeland, R-Morgan, right, presents a resolution in support of Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell on the floor of the House of Representatives. Utah, Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Speaker of the House Brad Wilson of R-Kaysville, left, wears a Mitchell jersey during the resolution vote.

| January 26, 2021 at 6:12 pm

| Updated: 6:56 p.m.

Republican Kera Birkeland, a Republican representing District 53 of Utah House, on Tuesday introduced a resolution to the state legislature to “recognize Donovan Mitchell’s exemplary service to the Utah Jazz” and “also suggests d ‘consider making “Spida” the official state arachnid.

The house vote comes days after Shaquille O’Neal slammed Mitchell over Jazz’s victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, telling Mitchell “you don’t have what it takes to take it to the next level, ”as the Lakers Hall of Fame began its In the NBA interview.
House Resolution 3, titled “House Resolution Honoring Donovan Mitchell over Shaquille O’Neal” refers to O’Neal’s free throw percentage of shots, Rotten Tomatoes odds from the movie Kazaam, two Jazz Series wins over Lakers in 1997 and 1998, the Shaq Fu Video Game.

“I think it’s appropriate for the great state of Utah to attribute a technical foul to Shaquille O’Neal,” said Birkeland, wearing a referee’s jersey as she spoke in the House Tuesday morning.

“We’re not talking about 2000, 2001, 2002 or 2006 right now, the years when Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers and Dwayne Wade’s Miami Heat won championships for Shaq,” the resolution notes.

The resolution, in addition to bashing O’Neal, also pleads for Mitchell’s accomplishments on and off the field.

“While, although Shaq’s ‘skill’ was greater than everyone else, Donovan gradually succeeded with his talent, dedication and constant effort,” the resolution states.

At the end of the introductory remarks, the resolution decides to recognize Mitchell’s service, asks the state House of Representatives to consider making “Spida” the official arachnid state, and further declares “Fine. . That’s it. ”At the end of the text.

But Birkeland met resistance from a handful of state lawmakers, who argued O’Neal was a master of mind games and urged their colleagues not to take the bait.

“Not only did it get inside Donovan Mitchell’s head, but I’m sure anyone who votes yes on it, he would rent a space in your head as well,” said House Majority Leader Francis Gibson. , R-Mapleton. “But I support our Jazz. I support Donovan Mitchell. “

“Blah, blah, blah,” retorted House Speaker Brad Wilson, who wore a Jazz jersey. The resolution passed through the chamber by a vote of 67-5.

Birkeland, of Morgan, represents parts of Daggett, Duchesne, Morgan, Rich and Summit counties. She was appointed to the post by former Governor Gary Herbert in April after former Rep. Logan Wilde stepped down to become the commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Birkeland was elected by a 63/36 margin over Democrat Cheryl Butler in November.

Bethany Rodgers contributed reporting for this story.

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