Kareem Abdul-Jabbar strangely defends Don Lemon: ‘Your heart was in the right place’

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar strangely rushed to Don Lemon’s defense after the CNN This Morning host angered his co-hosts and viewers by making a sexist remark about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on air.

Abdul-Jabbar stepped in even as Lemon faced widespread criticism for his remarks, which The Post reported led to his furious co-host Poppy Harlow leaving the set after the segment.

Lemon initially apologized on Twitter on Thursday and acknowledged that his comments were “inappropriate and inappropriate.”

Abdul-Jabbar, who was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer until he was surpassed last week by LeBron James, responded, “Don, we know your heart was in the right place.”

“I think you meant women in their prime in ‘reproductive years,'” the tweet continued.

He ended the tweet by saying, “Women are always in their prime because, in my opinion, they get stronger, bolder and more beautiful as they get older.”

Abdul-Jabbar’s tweet drew instant disapproval from other Twitter users who wondered why he was defending Lemon.

Media personality Megyn Kelly has been among its main critics.

“Look at this guy – he lectures us all the time about how morally superior he is – but 100% agree with Don Lemon’s misogyny. There is NO context in which this comment is appropriate. Stop protecting him. pathetic,” Kelly said.

“It still doesn’t make sense because whether or not Nikki Haley can get pregnant is completely irrelevant to her presidential race. Please don’t cover up Don Lemon’s sexism and ageism.” said writer Christy Coulter.

“LOL, you are embarrassing yourself Karim. That *NOT* is what he was talking about.” another user wrote in a reply that received over 500 likes.

“No, no, his heart was NOT in the right place. He called a 40-year-old woman too old and unsuitable for professional endeavors, but an 80-year-old MAN is quite normal, why? Because he is a MAN. one user said. “BUT I’m so glad to see other MEN running to his side and leading the attack to protect and forgive another MAN for his totally unjustified insult against WOMEN.”

Abdul-Jabbar has yet to respond to criticism of his remark. The Post has reached out for comment.

The unrest began on Thursday after Lemon, 56, commented on Haley, 51, calling on politicians over 75 to take intelligence tests to make sure they are fit for office.

“All this talk about age makes me uncomfortable,” Lemon said. “I think this is the wrong way. She says people, you know, politicians are suddenly out of their prime. Nikki Haley is not in his prime right now.”

“A woman is considered to be in her prime in [their] 20s, 30s and maybe 40s,” Lemon added.

Harlow immediately declined to comment, and Lemon tried to explain himself.

“That’s not my opinion,” Lemon said. “It’s like a prime minister. If you look it up. If you google when a woman is in her prime, it will be 20s, 30s and 40s.”

“I’m just saying that Nikki Haley needs to be careful when she says that politicians are not in their prime and they should be in their prime when they serve. Because she wouldn’t be in her prime, according to Google,” Lemon added.

Lemon was noticeably absent from the set of CNN This Morning on Friday. Co-host Caitlin Collins said he was having a “day off”.

According to The Post, Lemon issued a rambling apology to CNN staff for the sexist remark, which sparked a wave of complaints that reached the office of network president Chris Licht.

“The people closest to me in this organization are women,” Lemon said. “The people I go to for advice first and foremost in this organization are women. The closest person to me is my mother, a woman.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t want to offend anyone. I didn’t mean to offend anyone,” Lemon added.

Licht also criticized Lemon during the internal town hall, addressing his comments.

“Don and I talked for a long time. He knows I’m disappointed,” Licht said. “His remarks were distressing, unacceptable and unfair to his co-hosts and ultimately detracted greatly from the great work of this organization.”