If your a parent or guardian who has children involved in any form of youth sports, there is a good chance you’ve been spotted screaming from the bleachers during their games. Whether it be yelling at other patrons, or simply cheering for your youngster — you’ve probably done it.
On Thursday, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James sat down with Allie Clifton of Fox Sports Ohio to discuss the subject of enthusiastic parents at sporting events. In the interview, James, now 32 years of age, reveals that his mother, Gloria, used to embarrass him with her shouting from the stands.
“I actually thanked my kids,” James said with a raised brow. “And I apologized to my mother, too. I thanked my kids for just showing the purity of the game in its purest form. And then I said ‘sorry’ to my mother, because when I was that age, my mom used to go crazy in the stands at people — go crazy. And I used to be like, ‘Mom, my God, you’re embarrassing me, Mom, stop. Just relax.’ And then I find myself doing the same thing this summer.
“I went to my mom and was like, ‘Mom, come here. I’m sorry,’ James continued. “She’s like, ‘For what, boy? Get out of my face.’ I was like, ‘Mom, I’m sorry for ever telling you to calm down throughout a game when I was a kid.”
Now that he has three of his own, it sounds like James is beginning to understand why parents get so emotionally involved in their kids’ sporting aspirations.
Supporting children in youth sports is certainly an admirable cause. Remember, though… they are watching. Treat them with respect, and try your best to set a good example.
