SALT LAKE CITY – Donovan Mitchell didn’t really know what to think when he heard the news. Has the Utah House of Representatives passed a resolution in your honor? Because? And what exactly does that mean?
When House Resolution 3 was presented by Rep. Kera Birkeland, R-Morgan on Tuesday to acknowledge “Donovan Mitchell’s exemplary service to Utah Jazz and the Utah community; and suggests consideration of making ‘Spida’ (Mitchell’s nickname) the arachnid state official “made some people raise their eyebrows.
The resolution was drafted after Mitchell’s now infamous post-game exchange with Shaquille O’Neal last week. It was a way to support the Jazz star.
“In Utah, we support our players when they face embarrassing abuse during post-game interviews disguised as stimulating conversations,” says the resolution, while receiving a few hits on O’Neal’s free throw percentage and off-court adventures like the film “Kazaam” and the video game “Shaq Fu”.
“I think it is appropriate for the great state of Utah to award Shaquille O’Neal with a technical foul,” said Birkeland, wearing a referee shirt.
That little detail was something Mitchell liked.
“That was really fun,” said Mitchell.
Birkeland and his fellow representatives passed the resolution in an overwhelming 67-5 vote. It is no surprise that the Utahns support one of their biggest stars.
The resolution, however, faced some opposition.
“He not only got into Donovan Mitchell’s head, but I’m sure that everyone who voted yes to that, he would also rent a space in his head,” said House majority leader Francis Gibson, R-Mapleton, about O ‘ Neale. “But I support our Jazz. I support Donovan Mitchell.”
Now, whether or not this matter should have been brought to the floor – House Speaker Brad Wilson even wore a Mitchell shirt for discussion – is another matter. But Birkeland and the other representatives who voted yes, simply wanted to give an official demonstration of support for the All-Star.
And while Mitchell was sitting in his car reading about it and reflecting on the unique show of support, he couldn’t help but smile. Of course it was easy to laugh, but it was also very moving.
“I looked at it in a different light,” said Mitchell. “Growing up as a child, you always want to be that guy who is loved and I really appreciate the support. I think it’s special and it’s an honor. It’s kind of funny.”
But he had a question: “Is it like the state spider?” Mitchell asked. “I don’t know how it works, to be honest with you. I was asking around, we don’t really know.”
It doesn’t seem to be. The Utah State Legislature website states that the resolutions “are considered an expression of the Legislature and are printed in annual session laws (Utah Laws), but are not codified.”
So, for now, it’s just a way for the house to express an opinion. The opinion that Mitchell is the best player – and spider – that exists.
“I am blessed that people think of me that way,” said Mitchell. “I’m just honored.”
Ryan Miller