Is the Larry Bird tomato disrespectful?

Jeff Van Gundy is not a fan of the Larry Bird tomato.

The tomato that poses a striking resemblance to NBA legend Larry Bird has been making its rounds over the internet. So much so that it even entered ESPN’s NBA telecast last night.

Jeff Van Gundy caught a look at that tomato, but was not as much a fan as the rest of the country, calling it “disrespectful” to one of the greatest NBA players in history.

Now, Van Gundy does have a point here. To reduce Bird to a mere tomato is bit disrespectful. However, that is not the intent of the comparison. The Larry Bird Tomato is not attempting to diminish Bird’s greatness, but rather, simply pointing out the fact that the tomato looks quite a bit like Bird, which it undeniably does.

But while the tomato itself has no malicious intentions and is all in good fun, the social media response to it has been fascinating, and maybe a bit disrespectful.

Here we are making the joke of Bird’s iconic three-point contest victory being equivalent to that of a state fair. This next person clearly had way too much time on their hands to put the tomato in place of many of Bird’s greatest accomplishments, whether it be joining the Dream Team or winning an NBA Finals trophy.

Now that, Mr. Van Gundy, we could say might be a bit much.

Van Gundy has been on the receiving end of some disrespect in the bubble.

Speaking of disrespect, Jeff Van Gundy’s brother, Stan, has entered the broadcasting booth with TNT for the NBA’s restart. His initial reception has been positive, headlined by one piece of good comedy that his younger brother must not be too happy with if he took offense to a tomato.

More of the Van Gundys and fruits looking like NBA players? Yes, please.