NBA stars try to make the most of the off-season after a season of strenuous play. They head off on vacations, party, spend time with family, and do the occasional workout to keep their motor going. Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. has had quite the season, with three of his brothers facing the long arm of the law. That prompted him to join boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. for an event.
Organizers created the LA With Love Legacy event to bring joy and support to 60 teenagers. Those teenagers had suffered due to the ongoing war situation in Israel. The fact that the teenagers were from Israel brought a lot of heat to the NBA champion and the boxing legend. The 6′ 10″ forward, in particular, as the world is against what Israel is doing to Palestinians.
The two were joined by NBA stars Tyler Herro and Jared Vanderbilt, all to bring some semblance of support to those struggling with the war situation. However, the video clips showed all of them partying and dancing, which was anything but something war-torn victims generally do.
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal recently came under a lot of fire for a similar gesture. This happened even though the efforts were made for kids who lost someone in the war. The sensitive nature of the war will surely bring backlash to major athletes around the world.
Floyd Mayweather, Michael Porter Jr., Tyler Herro, and Jarred Vanderbilt all attended the LA With Love Legacy teens event at Haim Saban’s home with their friend Jona Rechnitz.
The event included a special group of 62 bereaved siblings and children from the ongoing war in… pic.twitter.com/lBSBjLmjMc— Yisrael official 🇮🇱 🎗 (@YisraelOfficial) August 29, 2024
Social media has gone on the attack, suggesting other things Michael Porter Jr. could have done. Some asked if his intention was to bring some cheer to teenagers or children. This event created the impression that someone paid him to attend. The presence of Floyd Mayweather Jr. further amplified it as the undefeated boxer has a history of supporting and helping Israel.
Michael Porter Jr. and his family struggling through hard times
Michael Porter Jr. might receive a lot of flak for this support for Israeli teenagers. However, he knows what it feels like when family members are not around. Three out of his four brothers are struggling with their own situations. One will never be able to share a basketball court in the NBA. Authorities charged another brother with a DUI.
In fact, the worst hit was younger brother Coban Porter. The Porter family will not see him for another six years as he spends time behind bars. All of this happened when Porter Jr. was in between his NBA season. Even then, he played elite basketball for his Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets did not replicate their previous season’s success. Nevertheless, at least he did not use his family situation as an excuse.
Floyd Mayweather has sent aid to Israel. Despite the fan backlash, Mayweather continues to publicly support Israel. It remains to be seen if MPJ finds himself in further trouble due to associating with charities supporting Israel.
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