American soccer legend Brandi Chastain is one of the most recognizable women athletes in the world. But sports fans were scratching their heads after viewing her plaque as she was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame on Monday night.
In their minds, Chastain’s bust was, well, a bust.
Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle, who wrote inscription for the plaque, called the rendition "shameful" and tweeted that Chastain's plaque makes Cristiano Ronaldo's plaque "look perfect."
“Brandi Chastain is one of the most beautiful athletes I’ve ever covered. How this became her plaque is a freaking embarrassment,” she tweeted.
Chastain was inducted during a ceremony at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. She has won two Olympic gold medals and two World Cup titles with the United States women’s soccer team.
Chastain was diplomatic about the plaque, the San Jose Mercury News reported.
“It’s not the most flattering,” Chastain said. “But it’s nice.”
On a lighter note, social media posters were having a field day. Some compared Chastain’s likeness to Gary Busey, Rex Ryan, Jimmy Johnson, Jerry Glanville, Peter King, Jerry Lewis, John Goodman, Bill Belichick and even Mickey Rooney. Others were comparing it to a hideous rendition of another soccer legend, Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Cristiano Ronaldo sculptor: Eh, this isn't too bad. Brandi Chastain sculptor: Hold my chisel," The Washington Post tweeted.
"I don't know about Brandi Chastain, but they nailed Mickey Rooney," Jason Davis tweeted.
There are no plans to redo the plaque, Andy Savick, the vice president of finance and administration for BASHOF told the Mercury News. He told the newspaper that images on the plaques are “representations” and not intended to be photographic likenesses.
Chastain’s bust was on a more favorable view at the 1999 World Cup. She scored the game-winning penalty kick and celebrated by sinking to her knees, ripping off her jersey to reveal her sports bra while clenching her fists. The photograph of that moment has become an iconic moment of celebration in sports history.
There are no plans to redo the plaque, Andy Savick, the vice president of finance and administration for BASHOF told the Mercury News. He told the newspaper that images on the plaques are “representations” and not intended to be photographic likenesses.
Chastain’s bust was on a more favorable view at the 1999 World Cup. She scored the game-winning penalty kick and celebrated by sinking to her knees, ripping off her jersey to reveal her sports bra while clenching her fists. The photograph of that moment has become an iconic moment of celebration in sports history.
Here are some other infamous renditions of athletes. How does the Chastain plaque measure up?
