SALT LAKE CITY – Donovan Mitchell didn’t really know what to think when he heard the news. Had the Utah House of Representatives passed a resolution in his honor? Because? And what exactly did that mean?
When House Resolution 3 was introduced Tuesday by Rep. Kera Birkeland, R-Morgan, to recognize “the exemplary service of Donovan Mitchell to the Utah Jazz and the Utah community; and suggests the possibility of making the” Spida “official (the Mitchell’s nickname) state arachnid “caused some people to raise their eyebrows.
The resolution was drafted after Mitchell’s infamous post-game exchange with Shaquille O’Neal last week. It was a way to support the Jazz star.
“In Utah, we support our players when faced with awkward abuse during post-game interviews disguised as Pep’s conversations,” the resolution states, while also taking a few hits on O’Neal’s free-kick percentage and off the track like the movie “Kazaam” and the video game “Shaq Fu”.
“I think it’s appropriate for the great state of Utah to reward Shaquille O’Neal with a technical foul,” Birkeland said, wearing a ref shirt.
Mitchell appreciated this little detail.
“It was a lot of fun,” Mitchell said.
Birkeland and his fellow representatives passed the resolution in a 67-5 vote. It’s not uncommon for Utahns to support one of its big stars.
The resolution, however, faced some opposition.
“Not only has it been put in Donovan Mitchell’s head, but I’m sure everyone who votes yes will also rent some space in his head,” said House Majority Leader Francis Gibson. R-Mapleton. O’Neale. “But I support our Jazz. I support Donovan Mitchell.”
Now, whether or not this issue should have been brought to the house (House Speaker Brad Wilson even wore a Mitchell T-shirt for discussion) is something else. But Birkeland and the other representatives who voted yes, simply wanted to present an official demonstration of support for the All-Star.
And while Mitchell was sitting in his car reading and reflecting on the only show of support, he couldn’t help but smile. Sure it was easy to laugh at, but it was also pretty touching.
“I looked at it in a different light,” Mitchell said. “If you’re small, you always want to be that beloved guy and I really appreciate the support. I think it’s special and it’s an honor. It’s a little fun.”
But he did have a question: “Is it like the state spider?” Mitchell asked. “I don’t know how that works, to be honest with you. I was wondering, we really don’t know.”
It doesn’t seem to be. The Utah state legislature’s website states that the resolutions “are considered an expression of the legislature and are printed in the laws of the annual sessions (Utah laws), but are not codified.”
So for now, it’s just a way to express your opinion at home. The opinion that Mitchell is the best player and spider.
“I’m blessed to have people think of me that way,” Mitchell said. “I’m honored.”
Ryan Miller