Steve Kerr left ‘a little rattled’ after mistaking reporter for Jimmy Garoppolo (vid)
Steve Kerr copped to a severe case of mistaken identity during Thursday’s post-game presser following the Golden State Warriors’ 126-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Oracle Arena.
In fact, the Kerr admitted to being left “a little rattled” over the situation. But the identity of who Kerr mistook for a media member for sheds some light on Kerr’s emotions.
The Warriors coach was left somewhat befuddled when he thought CBSSports.com NBA writer Colin Ward-Henninger was San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who of course has quickly — and deservedly so — become a darling of the Bay Area.
Steve Kerr just mistook @ColinCBSSports for Jimmy Garoppolo pic.twitter.com/VbEjlJKKP3
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 24, 2018
And here’s a pic of Mr. Ward-Henninger. Judge for yourself whether he bears a resemblance to Garoppolo or not.
Steve Kerr after @ColinCBSSports asks postgame ?: “I’m sorry I’m a little rattled I thought you were (@49ers) Jimmy Garoppolo for a second.” pic.twitter.com/MfqW9tRxjr
— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) January 24, 2018
Ward-Henninger, to his credit, took it all in stride. In fact, he admitted to being somewhat flattered by the comparison.
So Steve Kerr just said he didn't listen to my question because I look like Jimmy Garoppolo… never heard that one before, but he's a good looking dude so I'll take it. pic.twitter.com/H9GjeDmbLB
— Colin Ward-Henninger (@ColinCBSSports) January 24, 2018
Mama I made it… https://t.co/2Gy7O0czMV
— Colin Ward-Henninger (@ColinCBSSports) January 24, 2018
Garoppolo of course became a huge hit in the Bay Area by leading the 49ers to a 5-0 record in games he started. In six appearances, Garoppolo completed 67.6 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and five interceptions for a 96.2 quarterback rating.
The case can be made that if a person in the San Francisco/Oakland area is going to be mistaken for someone, having that individual be Jimmy Garoppolo ain’t that bad.
Although the question remains: Why in the world would Garoppolo be making an appearance at a Kerr press conference in the first place?