“Tell Your Daughter To Leave Me Alone”: DeMar DeRozan, Joel Embiid & NBA Stars Share Emotional Tales On Father’s Day

NBA stars DeMar DeRozan, Joel Embiid, and Bradley Beal, shared touching stories about their children on this Father’s Day. In videos shared by the official NBA account, the players shared their favorite anecdotes and moments on-court with their little ones. Ranging from hilarious incidents to heartwarming stories, fans got a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of their favorite players and especially a glimpse into their journey of fatherhood.

The fans not only idolized the athletes’ performances but also appreciated the beautiful family connections these players have with their kids.

DeMar DeRozan recalls hilarious on-court encounter with daughter

In a sweet and hilarious tribute to his daughter Mari DeRozan, DeMar DeRozan described a special father-daughter exchange that happened during a Chicago Bulls game versus the Toronto Raptors. DeRozan recalled how his daughter Mari had begged him to be able to attend the game and was excited to support her dad. But she may have taken her support too far.

At a critical moment during the game, as OG Anunoby braced himself for his free throws after already having missed some, he was interrupted by a shocking scream from the crowd. Young Mari had decided to take matters into her own hands. When OG was preparing to shoot, she started to scream in an attempt to distract him. Anunoby was affected by the unique “distraction” method. Anunoby turned to face DeRozan, amused and flustered, and pleaded with him, jokingly, “Tell your daughter to leave me alone.”

DeRozan said, while laughing, “The rest of the game, the whole second half, I heard her screaming every single time. That was definitely a cool moment I got to share with her.” Although a bit unconventional, Mari’s support was a testament to her love for her dad. Here’s how fatherhood has transformed the lives of other players.

Joel Embiid and Bradley Beal talk about the gift of fatherhood

Joel Embiid shared a heartwarming story about his son, Arthur, and a special moment they shared when Embiid won the MVP award for the 2022-23 season. Embiid spoke about how fatherhood had changed his life, “Fatherhood has been the best thing ever. Ever since I became a father, my life went in an even better direction. Having someone else to care about… my wife and my son.”

When Embiid received his award, Arthur excitedly ran towards him and into his arms. “Watching him run towards me was a sick moment. I couldn’t hold on and I started tearing up,“ he said. Embiid expressed his appreciation for being able to share such a meaningful moment with his family.

Bradley Beal also shared his beautiful experience of fatherhood with fans, talking about his sons Bradley “Deuce” Beal II, Braylen Beal, and Braxton Beal. He talked about how their constant support from the sidelines motivates him for all his games. “My boys. Seeing them always courtside at all my games… it’s crazy how they wanna do it and I don’t push them to do it. These little guys man, they keep me motivated, they keep me going. They’re always happy, always joyful… you can have a bad game and come home and they don’t care, you know? There’s nothing like that. I love those boys to death,” Beal said.

The heartfelt stories gave fans a glimpse into the lives of their favorite players. Showcasing an emotional and personal side, the players shared their love for their families and the deep impact fatherhood had on them. This Father’s Day, DeRozan, Embiid, and Beal reminded us of the irreplaceable joys of family.

Before leaving, make sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about WNBA star rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.