https://twitter.com/timelessclips/status/981191804921040896
An episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” that tugs on the heartstrings of many, has captured many tears of superstar NBA player LeBron James.
The Cleveland Cavaliers forward tweeted a clip from the 1994 episode of the NBC sitcom called, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse” Tuesday, April 3. In it, Will Smith’s same-named character proudly lists all the milestones he’s achieved without his dad. He proclaims doesn’t need his father until breaking down in tears and asking his Uncle Phil why his dad “don’t want me.”
“I shed a tear or 2 every single time this episode comes on!” James tweeted. “Can’t help it🤷🏾♂️. I’ve had that same feeling my whole life. #MommaThankYou.”
Fans offered support and shared stories about their father.
This hits home for so many people. Wow, brought a tear to my eye as well. I definitely know whats like. I am proud of the man I am today.
— Cam Hardy🚍🚍🚌🚏 (@camhardy513) April 3, 2018
Damn, I was blessed to have my dad at home, but I feel you Bron. Uncle Phil would be proud of you though…you’re a great dad & a great example to plenty of young people around the world, including me.
Respect ✊🏿— Josiah (@lemisterjo) April 3, 2018
Too many of our young men have this same rant ragging in their hearts……
— Lark (@Larkins1004) April 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/RichelleCarey/status/981196689129304067
James was raised by a single mother, Gloria James after she gave birth to him at age 16 and was left by his father, Anthony McClelland.
In a 2014 Instagram post, James thanked his father for not sticking around since it molded him to become the man he is now.
“Like, ‘Wow, Dad, you know what, I don’t know you, I have no idea who you are, but because of you is part of the reason who I am today,'” he wrote. “The fuel that I use — you not being there — it’s part of the reason I grew up to become who I am. It’s part of the reason why I want to be hands-on with my endeavors. And be able to put my guys that’s with me now in position. Like Maverick Carter, my right-hand guy in my business. Rich Paul, my agent. Randy Mims, my friend — he’s my manager, you know. So, me in a position allowing people around me to grow, that maybe wouldn’t have happened if I had two parents, two sisters, a dog, and a picket fence, you know?”
He expanded on the post during a sit down with CNN later that year.
“My whole life growing up I just always kinda said, ‘Why me? Why didn’t my dad wanna be around?'” he says. “And as I got older and older and had my own family I started to think the reason he wasn’t there is the reason why I became so strong mentally, so loving to my mother and I am who I am today because he wasn’t there.”
He adds that while he’s thought about exploring a relationship with his father, he says, “I think I’m good where I am.”
