Simpsons Season 28 Debut Had Arnold Palmer Reference That Couldn't be Pulled in Time

Last night's Season 28 debut of The Simpsons contained a reference to golf legend Arnold Palmer, who passed away that day at age 87. Obviously, this was completely coincidental, as production on the episode wrapped up much earlier, but it was still something of an odd moment for those who watched.

The joke was innocent, referencing the Arnold Palmer drink that the esteemed and beloved golfer made famous. Here is the clip, which sees Homer talking about him and Carl filling waterguns with lemonade and iced tea respectively to "Arnold Palmer" their friend Lenny (via EW):

Marge doesn't seem very impressed. Homer goes on to explain, "Arnold Palmer was a golfer, and he made up this drink where it's not a full glass of lemonade or a full glass of iced tea."

Simpsons showrunner Al Jean wrote on Twitter last night after news of Palmer's passing emerged, "v v sorry to learn of death of Arnold Palmer. What a giant." Asked if the joke could be pulled in time for the west coast edition, Jean said that wasn't possible. "Of course I wish I could but it's too late. One if [sic] the all-time greats in any sport," he said.

Palmer, who won 62 times on the PGA Tour, including four Masters victories (of his seven total Major titles), passed away Sunday in Pittsburgh. He had been in declining health. He died one day before he was scheduled to have heart surgery, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

For more on Palmer's life and career, watch the video from GameSpot sister network CBS News above. Tributes from professional golfers and others have poured in.