The Gold medal is in sight for Team USA. While the team prepares for the Gold medal game against France, the basketball world is buzzing with drama. The focus in the last couple of days has shifted to the sidelines, where Jayson Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, is demanding answers for her son not getting a minute on the floor against Serbia in the semis. 2013 NBA Coach of the Year George Karl, never one to hold back, threw fuel on the fire with a few choice words, turning a simmering controversy into a full-blown spectacle.

While fans and family voiced their concerns, George Karl wasn’t having any of it. He took to X to express his disbelief, saying, “Am I really seeing Jayson Tatum’s mommy crying and upset about his playing time in the Olympics?!” His post ignited a wave of responses, with some backing Cole’s right to speak up. Karl, however, doubled down, quipping, “And almost as amazed by all the folks here that think it’s ok. Must be more Dukies and Celtics fans on here than I thought!!”

George Karl didn’t stop there. In a series of replies, he emphasized that Tatum’s mother’s reaction would only make sense if Tatum was “8 years old.” He didn’t hold back in jabbing either the Boston Celtics fans or the Duke Blue Devils fans, implying that only their bias could justify supporting Cole’s outcry. But how did it come to this?

After Team USA’s nail-biting win against Serbia, the decision to keep Jayson Tatum on the bench left many puzzled, none more so than his mother. When a fan on X suggested an injury might be the reason, Cole shot down the speculation with a sharp, “No he not.” She didn’t stop there, adding, “But if you find out what’s going on please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE.”

Coming off an NBA championship win, Tatum would have expected to see more minutes on the floor. While he has played in some games in Paris, the decision to keep him benched despite the US struggling to make a comeback against Serbia told the story. Tatum is not part of the main rotation. However, his only two DNPs this tournament have been against Serbia. Maybe it was more of a matchup thing?

Whether he takes the floor on Saturday against France will give us answers. Yet, amidst the uproar, the question still lingers: what does Steve Kerr, the man who made the call to bench Tatum, think of all this?

Team USA’s head coach Steve Kerr addresses the Jayson Tatum situation

In a thrilling 5-game Olympic run, Team USA has showcased its star power, with their latest win over Serbia proving just how deep their talent pool is. After the win, Steve Kerr addressed the growing chatter in a post-game interview. He explained, “It’s not about anything Jayson is doing or not doing. It’s just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin has filled in since he came back from his injury. It’s just a math problem more than anything.”

But the controversy doesn’t end with Tatum’s family. NBA legend Charles Barkley also weighed in, expressing that Tatum should be getting regular minutes. Speaking with Dan Patrick, Barkley stated, “If you’re gonna go to the Olympics, everybody deserves to play…I don’t think it’s that much of a dropoff putting Jayson Tatum in the game…KD and LeBron, and Bam, they’re all great. But at this stage of their career, Jayson Tatum might be the best one out of them four.”

However, the Philadelphia 76ers legend was quick to clarify that he meant no disrespect to LeBron, KD, or Bam Adebayo. He acknowledged their greatness, even putting LeBron in the G.O.A.T. conversation, but emphasized that Tatum deserves the same level of respect and recognition, especially on the Olympic stage coming off an NBA championship.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”