Dwyane Wade Needs to Learn Parenting from Magic Johnson, Hints NFL Veteran: “You Create Them But You Can’t Control Them”

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade‘s daughter Zaya had made headlines a few years ago after publicly coming out as transgender. She has recently been the focus of NBA media once again after her father’s petition to legally change her name and gender was approved by a California court. Zaya’s preferred identity has been a source of polarizing debate in sports circles, with some people showering praises on Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union’s parenting, while others expressing grave concerns. Meanwhile, an NFL legend has now raised some questions regarding the three-time NBA champion’s parenting style, dragging Magic Johnson into the debate.

Dwyane Wade and his wife, Hollywood star, Gabrielle Union have shown persistent support to Zaya. They have helped their child win her cause in a court of law. They have also publicly displayed support and admiration for her several times, which includes their recent speech at the 54th NAACP Image Awards. However, former NFL legend Marcellus Wiley does not seem to be too happy with the way things have unfolded.

NFL legend brings up Magic Johnson while addressing Dwyane Wade’s parenting

On his YouTube channel, NFL veteran Marcellus Wiley gave his two cents on the 15-year-old Zaya’s gender change controversy. While Wiley lauded Wade’s effort to put his child’s wishes first, he also pointed out some caveats that should be taken into consideration. He also brought up Magic Johnson to illustrate his point.

“Magic has talked about this and his son being openly gay,” said the former Buffalo Bills defensive end. “You can sit there all you want and say A,B, C for my kid, but one thing I know about kids…You create them, but you can’t control them.”

“Now here’s the rub of this story…You put now the child first, but the child is not making an informed decision because it is impossible to make an informed decision as a child.”

As Zaya is a minor, Wiley feels that she is too young to take such a major decision regarding her identity. The NFL star then alluded to the former Lakers legend Magic Johnson and his son. A few years ago, Magic’s son, who was 17 then, came out as gay. Although the NBA legend later accepted his son’s decision, he had trouble doing so initially. According to the football star, Magic Johnson did the right thing as he waited till his son was of age to take an informed decision.

Wiley tends to agree with parents who put their children first, but he can’t agree with those who let them lead. According to him, Zaya Wade has not even reached that age to understand concepts such as gender, sex, and identity in their fullness. The veteran sports analyst also added that he won’t let his child take such a serious decision at a very young age.

Wade’s ex-wife is not happy either

The NFL star is not the first one to disagree with the whole incident. Zaya’s mother and Wade’s ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, had filed an objection against Wade’s petition to allow Zaya to change her gender. She also accused that the NBA star was eyeing popularity and lucrative endorsements that Zaya will bring in with her revelation.

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While everyone else has an opinion on Zaya’s life, she has chosen a path for herself and she is winning. Moreover, her parents have her back. What do you think about the whole episode? Was Marcellus Wiley’s parenting lessons good? Let us know in the comments.

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