During a live debate on Kentucky Sports Radio between the major GOP candidates before their May 19 primary, state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer called Hal Heiner “Christian Laettner of Kentucky politics” because he believes Heiner was behind a story that ran in the Lousville Courier Journal saying that Comer mentally and physically abused his girlfriend while at Western Kentucky University in the 1990s, which Comer has denied.
Laettner recently was featured in documentary on ESPN as being hated by Kentucky fans. Laettner was known for having had stepped on the chest of University of Kentucky Wildcat forward Aminu Timberlake prior to hitting the game-winning shot for Duke University’s men’s basketball team with time running out in a 1992 NCAA Final Four matchup, so being referred to “Christian Laettner” in Kentucky is seen as an insult and would insinuate that Comer is calling Heiner a dirty player.
Asked by Jones whether he believed rival Hal Heiner was behind the accusations, Comer said “I certainly hope not, but his campaign was.” Comer later called Heiner “the Christian Laettner of Kentucky politics,” as he and Louisville businessman Matt Bevin began attacking Heiner.
Follow Trent Baker on Twitter @MagnifiTrent
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