'Couldn't believe it': Waitress reduced to tears over star's insane tip

A waitress at an American restaurant has been brought to tears over the generosity of NBA star Andre Drummond.

The Cleveland Cavs star took advantage of Florida’s relaxed COVID-19 restrictions on Sunday, when he left a staff member gobsmacked by an astonishment gesture of good will.

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Drummond racked up a US$164.25 bill ($A247) at Delray Beach’s Che Restaurant, but rather than leave a regulation tip, the basketball star left a $1000 gratuity ($A1500) for the lucky waitress.

Diaz said she didn’t realise who Drummond was until after she was done serving him, but wrote a note for the NBA star on the restaurant’s Instagram page to express her joy and gratitude

‘Tears of happiness’

“When I was given the checkbook, I went to put in the tip & information to close the table and I couldn't believe it," Diaz wrote.

“From a $160 check, the tip read $1,000. I was shaking and had tears of happiness after what he left me.”

“I had no idea how to react, I didn’t want to draw attention but at the same time I couldn’t describe the kind of appreciation I had/have.

“It’s so amazing to see people displaying acts of kindness in these uncertain times.

‘This is a story I will never forget, thank you again so much.”

Restaurant manager Jose Diaz told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that he double-checked with Drummond to make sure that he intended to leave the generous gratuity.

"He said, ‘Of course, no problem,’” Diaz said.

Drummond also responded to the restaurant’s Instagram message.

“Thank you for being amazing!” Drummond wrote.

NFL great cements status as legendary tipper

Drummond is not the only American sporting star to make headlines with a massive restaurant tip recently.

Last week, NFL star Chad Johnson once again proved that he's one of the most generous players in the sport after leaving an astonishing tip for a Miami restaurant.

Johnson was clearly overjoyed that cafes and restaurants were open for open for business again when he sat down for a US $37.40 ($A57) meal at Havana’s Cuban Cuisine.

Rather than leaving the standard 15 to 20 percent gratuity, Johnson went completely above and beyond - signing off for a staggering $1000 tip ($A1527).

To put the extraordinary figure into context, the NFL legend's tip worked out to be more than 2700 percent of the actual bill.

He even left a touching note with the bill that read: “Congrats on re-opening, sorry about the pandemic, hope this helps. ‘I love you.’”

Johnson posted a photo of the tip on social media, accompanied by a reference to a bible passage that reads: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Restaurant overwhelmed by Johnson’s generosity

The restaurant extended its gratitude to Johnson on Facebook, applauding him for the gesture in "these most difficult times".

“We would like to thank Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson for his continued patronage,” the restaurant posted.

“We greatly appreciate your generosity to our employees now during these most difficult times. Many blessings to you and your family. Thank you again!

with Yahoo Sports US