In the sporting world, there are many examples of parents pushing their children to excel. Then, certain parents are not part of their child’s growth, which leaves a mark from which they never recover, especially in the Black community. However, the likes of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, NBA great LeBron James, and LaVar Ball have shown that it is possible to help their children achieve success.
The 2-time Super Bowl champion was a guest on the podcast Outta Pocket with RGIII. Host Robert Griffin III asked Sanders about fathers standing up for their children. Sanders detailed the impact Ball and James have had by standing up for their children. He was happy that they are showing how it is done especially to the Black community.
You know why everyone jumped on LaVar Ball? Because he was present and no one was speaking out for his babies. 2 first rounders later, you gotta give him love. You got to give Bron love. You can say what you want, he’s been there. He’s supposed to pave the road, he’s supposed to pave the way for his baby. Last time I checked, everybody doing it.
Deion Sanders via Outta Pocket with RGIII
Deion Sanders gave his own example when talking about fatherhood. He feels fathers are meant to do what is right for their children. If that means bringing them to a situation that they already are in, all the better. The conversation was indeed an eye-opener for the listeners.
“I ain’t no baby daddy, I’m a father.” Deion Sanders speaks on the lack of TV shows that show Black fathers connecting and having relationships with their sons and praises LaVar Ball and LeBron James for being present in their sons’ lives.
(🎥Outta Pocket with RGIII/Youtube) pic.twitter.com/dAHl2s4jL8
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) August 27, 2024
He feels that Black fathers, especially, are known not to be a part of their children’s lives. So, if the three of them are doing it successfully, it should be an example for others to follow. He wants Black fathers to support their children and be a part of their lives.
LeBron James and LaVar Ball disregarding criticism for their sons
LeBron James and LaVar Ball have been present in their children’s lives. For James, it was a no-brainer when his sons started playing basketball. It is not like they were average in high school. Rather, their development pushed the Los Angeles Lakers superstar to do everything he could to get Bronny James to his team. He knew all too well that his time in college stunted his development.
James Sr. will do the same for his younger son, Bryce James, if needed. The four-time champion is very influential and has the power to do so. On the other hand, LaVar Ball did not have the power to get teams to recruit his sons. Instead, he developed them to be elite players and marketed them in advance to hype up their draft stock.
It worked, as both LaMelo Ball and Lonzo Ball were lottery picks in the NBA. Deion Sanders wants Black fathers to at least try and do the same for their own children. He wants Black Fatherhood to triumph and not fail like it currently does.
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