Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates is probably going to have to pass on looking at the internet for a few days after some unfortunate camera work from ESPN turned him into a meme.
On Monday, the Lions held on against the San Francisco 49ers 40-34, setting up for an electric Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. However, before the Lions closed things down, things were pretty tense for Detroit heading into the final quarter. Up 31-28 as the quarter started, the Lions were going to need Bates to help extend the lead, yet the kicker was dealing with a minor injury on the sidelines.
Unfortunately for Bates, ESPN’s cameras caught him in a … compromising position as he was stretching and rolling out a muscle in his leg. A position that announcer Joe Buck couldn’t help but remark on afterwards.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 31, 2024
Yeah, Bates is definitely going to have to avoid the internet for a few days after that.
The rest of social media, however, turned Bates’ stretching into a hilarious meme.
MNF cameraman finding Jake Bates on the sideline pic.twitter.com/YhGFbdmIOj
— Michigan Truther (@scumbag_unit) December 31, 2024
Peep the new header 👀
— Official Jake Bates Stan Account (@USFLPanthers) December 31, 2024
Jake Bates on the sidelines pic.twitter.com/xQ1xUZSRpu
— Andrew Brennan (@unofficialAB) December 31, 2024
This clip was worth hearing Joe Buck and Troy Aikman giggle uncomfortably. Unfortunately for Jake Bates, this will now forever be used all over the internet.
— Courtney Finnicum (@courtney883) December 31, 2024
— John Whiticar (@Whiticar) December 31, 2024
No caption just Jake Bates doing whatever this is 😂 pic.twitter.com/pUP4z0xOIV
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) December 31, 2024
There are kids watching Jake Bates…
— Logan Lamorandier (@LLamorandier) December 31, 2024
Jake Bates on the sideline: pic.twitter.com/Sw1NROpshF
— Delaney Rimer (@delaneydrw) December 31, 2024
Jake Bates can never log on ever again
— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) December 31, 2024
I’m sure the Internet will do nothing with that Jake Bates sideline shot.
— JGill734 (@jgill734) December 31, 2024