What started with a “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” joke at the expense of Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz quickly spun out of control as Cruz issued a one-on-one hoops challenge and sparred with Kimmel over what the two might wear on the court.
Kimmel kicked off the exchange by comparing Cruz to a blobfish and Grandpa Munster, suggesting that the senator’s presence at the last Houston Rockets game might have been bad luck. (RELATED: Cruz Jokes: Not Sure Which Pedal I’d Push If I Saw Trump In The Rear-View Mirror [VIDEO])
“The Warriors pulled out a come-from-behind win on the road against the Rockets, which had the best record of any team during the regular season. The Rockets missed 27 three-pointers in a row last night, and I think I know why. Look who was in the crowd. [Laughter]
None other than basketball superfan Ted Cruz. Sporting the super-cool T-shirt-over- a-polo look. Can you be embarrassed by a picture of someone else’s dad? Because I am.”
Cruz did not take the bait on the personal attack, but instead issued a challenge to Kimmel because he had “besmirched my support for the Houston Rockets.” He said that he would put up $5,000, to the non-political charity of Kimmel’s choice, should Kimmel beat him in a head to head match up.
.@jimmykimmel All right, Big Guy…you talk a good game. You besmirched my support for the @HoustonRockets So let’s settle this man-to-man: one-on-one, hoops (or “ring-ball,” if you prefer). The loser gives $5k to the (non-political) charity of the winner’s choice. https://t.co/BWvAP5VOtM
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) May 31, 2018
Kimmel accepted the challenge, with one condition: they both had to wear short shorts. Cruz, citing “Borat,” said that he wasn’t sold on the idea.
As Borat demonstrated conclusively, NOBODY wants to see that. And ABC would probably be fined by the FCC! How ‘bout this: you dress yourself, I’ll do the same. Play to 10 (by ones), win by 2. https://t.co/B2MrOkBipI
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) May 31, 2018
When Kimmel suggested crop tops as an alternative, Cruz simply responded, “knock yourself out.”
.@JimmyKimmelLive Knock yourself out. Heck, you can wear a kilt if you like. pic.twitter.com/KbWvbpEVuL
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) May 31, 2018
Cruz doubled down, suggesting that the “dress code” be thrown out entirely and that they bring in Adam Carolla to provide commentary. Kimmel has yet to officially accept the challenge.
