In the afterglow of their World Collection victory over the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kik Hernandez had a message for Olympic gold medalist sprinter Noah Lyles: “World Collection champions – suck it, Noah Lyles.” Hernandez’s daring remark provides a brand new chapter to a heated debate that Lyles ignited when he questioned American sports activities leagues for utilizing the time period “world champions” to explain themselves.
The Dodgers clinched their newest title with an exciting 7-6 victory, and Hernandez, amid post-game celebrations, took a second to focus on Lyles, who beforehand made waves by criticizing leagues just like the NBA and NFL for calling their high groups “world champions.” In September 2023, Lyles had requested, “World champion of what? The United States?” The remark struck a nerve with gamers throughout American sports activities, resulting in responses from NBA stars Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard, amongst others.
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Hernandez’s dig at Lyles could not have been instantly provoked that night time, but it surely’s clear the remark has caught with athletes. After Lyles‘ assertion went viral, a number of NBA gamers clapped again on social media, defending the worldwide status of American leagues. USA Basketball even joined in on the enjoyable, posting a tongue-in-cheek tweet after successful gold in Paris that learn, “Are we theWorld Champs now?”
Lyles‘ feedback weren’t restricted to the NBA. He has additionally voiced comparable opinions concerning the Tremendous Bowl and, presumably, feels the identical concerning the World Collection. For American athletes like Hernandez, the “world champion” label signifies the dominance and status of their leagues. In spite of everything, baseball has vital worldwide enchantment, and plenty of gamers from all over the world compete in Main League Baseball.
However for now, the Dodgers are reveling of their World Collection victory and are prone to proceed celebrating their standing as “world champions” with out concern for the semantics.
What’s subsequent for the Dodgers?
With a stellar lineup returning for the 2025 season, the Dodgers are already wanting ahead to their subsequent title chase. Hernandez’s post-game remark serves as a reminder that, for athletes in America’s high leagues, the “world champion” title is not up for debate even when they’re able to throw in just a little trash speak to show it.
