It's always a little embarrassing when someone asks you a question regarding a subject you know little to nothing about.
It's even more embarrassing when that subject is an internationally-known figure that has existed as part of the cultural consciousness of, well, the entire planet for decades.
And it's even more embarrassing when you're being asked a question about that subject by a reporter while on the red carpet of an event honoring that very same world-renowned figure.
So, all in all, the minute and a half video below starring Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier doing his best to B.S. his way through questions (in spectacularly terrible fashion) about Nelson Mandela while he's attending an event celebrating the life and legacy of the former president of South Africa, has to rank up there as one of the most embarrassing moments of his life.
Bernier seems to think that Mandela was a hockey player, referencing his abilities both "on and off the ice."
He also refers to Mandela as "one of the most known athletes in the world" and added that "he's definitely one of the athletes I watched growing up as well."
Not even close, Jon.
Afterward, a contrite Bernier offered an apology for his mistake.
"I'm embarrassed," Bernier told Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star. "I didn't mean to offend him, his legacy. I got flustered with the red carpet and I was nervous. I think everyone makes mistakes and that was me that night."
The good part of all this is I bet Bernier probably now knows quite a bit more about Mandela than he previously did.
