Penn student shows “Fire Doc Rivers” message on graduation stage, instantly goes viral
“Fire Doc Rivers”
Those were the words on Leonard Chen’s phone screen as he walked across the graduation stage. Soon, he’d go from just another liberal arts student to Philadelphia’s latest viral sports folk hero.
Originally tweeted by Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) on May 17, 2022 (via @lnrdchen)
The clip lasts a mere six seconds, but its sentiment resonated throughout the city. Fans were hurt this postseason. Unfortunately, the Sixers fell short yet again. Even with a depleted roster and an injured superstar, the fans feel Doc Rivers’ coaching left a lot to be desired.
Rivers was also prickly with the press and quickly reminded the fans that he’s really the man in charge, even when it seemed like we all knew what was best for this team. As a fan base that knows a thing or two about basketball, it felt like an affront to our intelligence.
Leonard Chen simply couldn’t abide by it any longer.
We love our teams here in Philadelphia; we even love (some of) the players! But most of all, we love ourselves. That’s why he’s the hero we need right now.
Icons like Mare from Havertown, the Phightins guy, and David Dodge paved the way for Leonard Chen, just as he will for those who come after him.
Sure, this is the product of a graduation season trend, which is one of my least favorite social media phenomenons. Even so, I can ignore the greater context of the situation because it fits my preferred narrative.
Just look how cold this stare-down is.
This may do nothing more than serve as another reason for Doc Rivers to hate Sixers fans, but I don’t care. At the end of the day, the only thing we get out of this team is emotional trauma.
Be well, Leonard Chen. You have three majors; at least use one of them.
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Mandatory Credit: ESPN
