NFL Draft parties are always wild times for prospects realizing their lifelong dreams.
That was the case this past weekend when the Green Bay Packers selected former Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
During the wild celebration, Van Ness’ father had to pull a friend off his son while on the phone with the Packers. Then, in clear view of ESPN’s cameras, Van Ness’ father blatantly slapped the butt of Van Ness’ girlfriend.
Lukas Van Ness dad had a big day between dragging this guy off of his son and giving multiple butt slaps. pic.twitter.com/ak6fNRLWXb
— Thomas Sullivan (@Yfz84) April 28, 2023
The NFL world was quick to react to the chaotic scene—including Arizona Cardinals star cornerback Budda Baker. He blasted the father for horrible behavior and said it would’ve gone down differently if he were the prospect in question.
“Ok ok ok… look, if my dad touched my lady [butt] on draft night or anytime, I’m checkin him!!! ESPECIALLY if he still with my mom. Maybe that’s just me though, I didn’t grow up wit my pops so maybe that it…” Baker tweeted Friday on Friday night. “aye also! There’s nothing wrong with being a day 2 guy!! Just work!!”
Van Ness did not immediately respond to the controversy around his father, though it might lead to an interesting conversation if Van Ness and Baker ever meet on the field.
