A Republican lawmaker has filed a resolution honoring Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell, belittling Shaquille O’Neal.

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Rep. Kera Birkeland also suggests making ‘Spida’ the official state arachnid

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

| January 26, 2021, 6:12 PM

| Updated: 6:56 PM

Rep. Kera Birkeland, a Republican representing Utah House District 53, filed a resolution with the state legislature on Tuesday that aims to “recognize Donovan Mitchell’s exemplary service to the Utah Jazz” and also “suggests” considering the official state arachnid. “

The house mood comes days after Shaquille O’Neal criticized Mitchell after a Jazz win against the New Orleans Pelicans, telling Mitchell “you don’t have what it takes to get to the next level,” as the Lakers’ hall or famer In the NBA interview.
House Resolution 3 entitled “House Resolution Honoring Donovan Mitchell on Shaquille O’Neal” refers to O’Neal’s free throw percentage, the Rotten Tomatoes review of the movie Kazaam, two Jazz series wins over the Lakers in 1997 and 1998, the Shaq Fu video game.

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

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

The resolution, in addition to belittling O’Neal, also argues for Mitchell’s performance in and out of court.

While, although Shaq’s “skill” was greater than everyone else, Donovan has gradually succeeded through talent, dedication and constant effort, “the resolution says.

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

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

“Not only did he get into Donovan Mitchell’s head, but I’m sure anyone who votes yes on this would also rent some space in your head,” said R-Mapleton, House Majority leader. “But I do support our Jazz. I support Donovan Mitchell. “

“Blah, blah, blah,” replied House Speaker Brad Wilson, wearing a jazz jersey. The resolution sailed across the room with a vote of 67-5.

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

Bethany Rodgers contributed to the reporting of this story.

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