ESPN‘s Chris Berman had a head-scratching moment during the Super Bowl when he dropped Abraham Lincoln’s name while congratulating quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes for their historic achievement.
Berman, who was recapping the game on ESPN after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles to win the title, acknowledged Mahomes and Hurts for becoming the first Black quarterbacks to start the same Super Bowl. In the midst of his comment, however, Berman reminded the audience that it’s also a special day for Abraham Lincoln.
“Also, of course, two African American quarterbacks starting against each other in the Super Bowl for the first time. Fittingly, February 12th is Abe Lincoln’s birthday,” Berman said.
The clip instantly went viral as people slammed the reporter for dropping the Abraham Lincoln tidbit out of left field.
And this is why it's so important to know the full history of this country and why cultural competence is important.
— Kelsey Nicole Nelson (KNN) (@therealknelson) February 13, 2023
Could have stopped before the word fittingly
— John (@johnspeckhardt) February 13, 2023
My man couldn’t say also and during Black History Month or leave at during Black History Month instead of Abe? pic.twitter.com/7YwUPRibZc
— Lee Sanders (@TheRCWRShow) February 13, 2023
— Jonathan Rousseau (@RousseauJ) February 13, 2023
Berman awkwardly transitioned to the highlights after bringing Abe into his report. Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Steve Young only responded with a chuckle after Berman’s report.
The longtime ESPN reporter may have wanted Lincoln to get some love for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation to free the slaves. But his aim apparently backfired.
Many people clearly didn’t care to know about Lincoln’s birthday. Plus, many others believe Lincoln’s role in freeing the slaves is overblown. But maybe there are some people who are excited to mark Abe’s birthday on their calendar.
