“Basketball was a vehicle that I used to get me where I’m going. My inspiration in life is to improve the living condition of my people.” Dikembe Mutombo, who once left behind his dream of becoming a doctor, made sure to change people’s lives once he was a popular name in the NBA. The 4x DPOY had too many contributions and moments as highlights, and who better than Stephen A. Smith to summarize it for the world?

“No matter what you know about him as a basketball player, he was an even better human being… One of the most beautiful, beautiful human beings I’ve ever known.” Heart-touching, right? But still in between those sentences, Smith made a factual error, as he said, “Always was about giving, always was about helping the Dominican Republic of Congo…”

Dikembe Mutombo hailed from ‘The Democratic Republic of Congo,’ an honest mistake on an emotional night. The Center was skillful on the court but preferred soccer as a child. In fact, he did not even touch basketball until mid-adolescence, but his father and elder brother encouraged him to use his stature to his advantage.

When he arrived in Georgetown, he was still learning English. Not only did he learn the language, but he was fluent in even French, Spanish, Portuguese, and five African dialects. That’s why apart from his own charitable endeavors, he was named the N.B.A.’s first designated global ambassador, assisting in the formation of a professional league in Africa.

The 2x Rebounding leader set up The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to promote better health and educational opportunities in his country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So when the media veteran, Smith, who, according to reports, wants a contract worth $100 million, makes a small mistake, it gets highlighted multiple times.

Smith’s Congo mistake about Dikembe Mutombo did not go unnoticed

“RIP to the legend but sorry Stephen “Dominican Republic of Congo” isn’t a real country :/.” A fan quote was very direct and explained to Smith what his mistake was. During the tribute, the ESPN analyst also highlighted that Dikembe Mutombo finished 7 times in the top 3 for the DPOY race. But there was no defense for Smith, as another fan wrote, “Great tribute, Stephen! But I must point out he’s from the “Democratic Republic of Congo” not Dominican Republic 🙏.”

The 76ers acquired Dikembe Mutombo and were the contenders for the 2001 NBA championship. But Smith defined it the best that the dominance of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant overpowered that night. And it seems the mistake of the analyst overpowered his tribute. “Dikembe Mutombo a certified legend and an equally moving tribute ❤️. But saying ‘Dominican Republic of Congo’ was definitely out of order 😭,” wrote another fan.

The #55 was known for his finger wag after every block. One fan shared such a clip, where the center is successful in blocking not once but three times. Along with the video, there was also a caption, “RIP BIG MAN, HE WAS A SPECTACULAR PLAYER ❤️.” The 7-foot-2 Big helped not only his hometown but several other parts of Africa. “The legend will be missed… but not in the Dominican Republic of Congo,” wrote this fan. It was a message from a fan signifying the mistake of Smith.

Dikembe Mutombo’s contribution reached places that were far from his homeland of Congo to every state in the USA. And Smith took the opportunity to remind people what the 76ers’ contribution was on and off the court.

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.