Source: Christian Alminana / Getty
Retired NBA superstar and future Hall-of-Famer Dwyane Wade is also a great dad. During an interview with Variety, Wade spoke candidly about being shocked at the criticism he received after he showed support for his 12-year-old son Zion who attended Miami’s Pride parade earlier this year with his stepmom Gabrielle Union.
Wade, who was at the time still in the middle of his final NBA season couldn’t attend the parade with his wife and son, so he did the next best thing and showed love via social media. His gesture triggered some people to leave insensitive and nasty remarks. When asked about the situation, Wade had the perfect answer for the haters:
“I don’t really talk about it much because it’s Zion’s story to tell. I think, as a family, we should support each other. That’s our job. And my job as a father is to facilitate their lives and to support them and be behind them in whatever they want to do.”
Wade also shared some parental advice encouraging other parents to willingly accept their children as they are.
“They are all different, and I have to get to know them and where they are. I have to say to most parents, get to know your kids. Don’t put your wants and needs on them.”
Wade added that he is not too comfortable on being praised for being a supportive dad or addressing the negativity that stems from it.
“I’m very uneasy about accolades that come from supporting my kids or the negativity that comes from it. I’m doing what every parent has to do. Once you bring kids into this world, you become unselfish. It’s my job to be their role model, to be their voice in my kids’ lives, to let them know you can conquer the world. So, go and be your amazing self and we’re going to sit back and just love you.”
We hear you D-Wade, but you should be commended regardless, you can watch the entire interview below.
Photo: Christian Alminana / Getty
