The Mount Rushmore debate for sports never ends.
Michael Jordan, Hank Aaron, Serena Williams and Tiger Woods all could claim a rightful place on a theoretical mountain top that captures the greatest names in the history of a crowded United States scene.
GettyKobe Bryant is more respected than ever in US sports history[/caption]
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump mentioned several huge names and effectively created his own Mt Rushmore near the White House in Washington, DC.
“Muhammad Ali, he was not a bad athlete,” Trump said at a boisterous press conference.
With those big words, Trump revealed that the greatest boxer of all-time would soon have a statue in the National Garden of American Heroes, which was created in 2020 and is dedicated to celebrating heroic figures in American history.
Air Jordan, who is 62 and holds an estimated worth of $3.5 billion, didn’t make Trump’s initial cut for sports figures.
But several deceased legends did.
“The late Kobe Bryant,” Trump announced. “People love Kobe Bryant.”
As soon as Bryant’s name was mentioned, cheers and applause broke out in the room.
Major League Baseball and civil rights icon Jackie Robinson will also receive a statue in the National Garden of American Heroes, which is located at the National Mall, and features busts and plaques to commemorate important contributions to the nation’s history.
Like LeBron James and Jordan, another famous sports celebrity still adding to his legendary name will have to wait for a permanent statue.
“We’re going to save Tiger Woods for another time,” Trump said.
GettyMuhammad Ali will be honored with a special statue[/caption]
AFPTiger Woods shared a special moment with President Trump[/caption]
AFPBryant already has a statue outside the Lakers’ home[/caption]
Fans applauded Trump’s statue choices and were especially appreciative of Bryant being honored by the United States.
“Kobe inspired the youth, more than deserved!” one fan tweeted.
“Admirable. RIP Kobe!” a second fan posted.
“Gotta give it to Trump on this one!” a third fan wrote.
“Let’s appreciate this and not make it political,” a fourth fan said.
Bryant made 18 All-Star teams and followed Jordan as the best player in the NBA.
The five-time NBA champion made 12 All-Defensive teams and won two NBA Finals MVPs.
Bryant tragically passed away at 41 in a 2020 helicopter crash.
Trump also announced that Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin and Frederick Douglass, among others, will be honored with statues in the garden.
