ESPN’s Jay Bilas has received mixed feedback from fans after he recently argued that fans storming the basketball court would stop if they faced arrest or citation for their actions.
Even with the negative reactions, Bilas found a lighthearted way to address the topic, and it involved Loyola Chicago legend Sister Jean.
During Loyola’s game against Dayton on Friday, the 104-year-old chaplain went on the court while being pushed in her wheelchair. One observer reposted the video and joked that Sister Jean would be arrested for being on the court if it were up to Bilas.
I’m sorry Sister Jean but fans don’t belong on the court. Jay Bilas will be sending you to Alcatraz https://t.co/fPG4RCBDga
— Kalon Fullerton (@cowlonfull) March 2, 2024
The famed ESPN college basketball analyst had the perfect response to the tweet, as he then posted a photoshopped image of Sister Jean behind bars with Bilas himself standing guard outside the cell.
https://t.co/Vo7MVtB54Z pic.twitter.com/cjQyibtmZA
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) March 2, 2024
Luckily for Sister Jean and Bilas, there was no court storming in Chicago even though Loyola took down No. 21 Dayton, 77–72, on Friday.
The Ramblers now hold a 21–8 overall record, and they sit in second place in the Atlantic 10 Conference at 13–3. It’s possible fans could see more viral Sister Jean moments during March Madness this year if the Ramblers win their conference tournament and aim to recreate the magic of their 2018 run to the Final Four.