The tired narrative that successful Black NFL and NBA players were all raised by single mothers. Sports media loves to paint that massively familiarized trope every chance they get. Yes many were raised by their fathers in two parent households. Just take a look at the 2026 NBA Draft.
Like many, we were surprised to see Dwyane Wade's father during his HOF Ceremony. Obviously a great relationship. JR Smith says the NBA created a rift between him and his father, and that distance impacted him early in his career.

Of course his father is standing right next to his mother. https://t.co/meImJ0fJqh

— Radio Media Sports News (@UrbnRadioNation) October 9, 2026

Jalon Daniels mother married Tyrone Dubois-Daniels in 2015... Long enough to take on his step-father's last name.

Stephen A. Smith Apologizes Again: This time to Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert