Currently, Pat Riley’s professional world is marred by controversy regarding his player management skills. With his stance on Jimmy Butler, many former players like Shaquille O’Neal have opined that ‘The Godfather’ always wins in these situations. Because of his hard-nosed approach, he has 9 NBA championships starting from his playing career to now in his front office role. Despite that success, the 79-year-old recently revealed the personal problems he had to face.

“I remember my father at a time when he was at his worst and it was never good enough. Whatever I did wasn’t good enough.” During the conversation with Dan Le Batard, Pat Riley opened up about his troubles at home. “It just ‘show me more’ and I just remember here I did fail again. I failed again. Now I know he’s passed, and he passed when I was 25 years old. But I think of my father a lot and you know so I had his genes you know from that standpoint.”

The President of the Miami Heat opened up about his father, Leon ‘Lee’ Riley, who passed away in 1970 at the age of 64 due to heart disease. Lee Riley, a former athlete turned coach, had dedicated much of his life to baseball. As a slugging outfielder, he played 22 seasons in the minor leagues and tirelessly pursued his dream of making it to the Major League. Over the course of his career, he tried out for 18 different teams, never giving up on his passion for the game. This determination and perseverance were qualities that Pat Riley deeply appreciated and admired in his father.

“My father, God bless him, 18 different cities hauling six kids around trying to make the best life he could in the 30s and 40s.” Pat Riley said on LeBatard Show. Later in the interview, he even thanked his mother for managing the household and the children. “For us, my mom was a saint because she had to take care of all of us.” And when she passed away, the Hall of Famer recalled two former players who consoled him at the time.

Despite differences, Pat Riley’s grieving times had good support

Since his time with the Lakers, the Knicks, and the Heat, The Godfather coached and managed a lot of high-profile players. Naturally, some might have clashed with him regarding differences of opinion. But during the toughest moments of his life, when his mother passed away, the former coach recalled how his team extended their support.

“I remember, you know, DWade just putting his hand on my shoulder, you know, Shaq putting his hand on my shoulder. So, it’s an extended family, ’cause I think we all go through it. And so, one of the best things that came out of that.” Both Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal showed a heartwarming gesture by putting their hands on his shoulder. Despite there being reports of him having issues with his star players.

Pat Riley’s NBA journey began in the 67-68 season, meaning his father never got to witness his rise to champion status in 1972. Fast forward to now, with over 9 championships under his belt, but that void still exists. It’s part of the reason he opened up about those tough times, still holding on to those cherished memories of his dad.