Is LaVar Ball Setting A Good Example?
- Mar 16, 2017
- 2 min read
I'm sure by now you've heard of LaVar Ball. The father of the Ball brothers who are each human basketball highlight reels. This boisterous father has made some controversial and outlandish statements about the future of his sons. He's said he needs a billion dollar shoe deal for the Ball family. He's said His son is better than Steph Curry. He's even said he'd beat Charles Barkley 1 on 1. This has made for great sports television but is he sending the right message?
When it comes to his own sons I don't think his statements have any impact. Just like he says in the video above, they didn't just get good. Using that very logic, their father didn't just get outspoken. I'm sure since early in their basketball lives he has always been outspoken. Also, since their father has become just as popular, if not more, in the sports world his sons have continued to play at the top of their game. They don't seem distracted at all. So that's not my concern. However the popularity LaVar has garnered is what concerns me.
LaVar Ball was a baller himself. Having plays at a high level in college. He is also a personal trainer. I'm sure this has a lot to do with why his sons are such amazing athletes. I'm hoping he writes a book detailing the work outs and culture he built for his sons. But we live in a "reality show" world. I'd hate for the attention LaVar is getting to be seen as an opportunity by other fathers of talented kids to follow in his footsteps and try to get some fame by making outlandish expectations on their kid. While this doesn't seem to be a distraction to his sons or their teams, if it's something that happens more frequently I don't think it will be taken as a "fun sports story" and could possibly have some serious consequences.
What do you think about this Ball Dad fiasco? Let's keep the conversation going in the comments.
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