Dwyane Wade recently shared a frightening story on ‘The Wine Down’ podcast with his father, Dwyane Wade Sr., revealing an incident from his youth that nearly ended in tragedy. Growing up in Chicago, Wade frequently joined his father to play basketball at the lakefront, a popular spot for pick-up games. During one of these games, a minor altercation almost had fatal consequences for the future NBA star.
Dwyane Wade: “My dad always, growing up, he would go play at the lakefront. He would take us as we were growing up… So we down there hooping, bro, and I had a little attitude problem back then. And somebody fouled me.”
“I just took the ball and I just slung it at they head… Man, this dude took that ball and threw that ball back at me so fast, I didn’t even get a chance to like finish my throw before it was back at my head.”
“Bob, when I tell you it got scary in five seconds… you saw the gun go, I was like, oh. So we came to find out that it was like, this guy was like one of the leaders of the games in Chicago and yeah, we was outnumbered.”
Dwyane Wade Sr: “But I had a friend that was playing with us and knew all of them. And he was like, yo, bro, that’s my boys. You know, that’s his son. Let it slide. That was a dangerous time though. We might not have got to see him in the NBA. Probably wouldn’t have made it out. We would have made it out, but it was an ambulance ” (18:47)
The incident began when Wade reacted angrily after being fouled. In a fit of temper, he threw the ball at the person who fouled him. The situation escalated quickly when the man retaliated, revealing himself to be a gang leader and pulling out a gun. The atmosphere turned dangerously tense as Wade realized the gravity of the situation.
Fortunately, Wade’s father, Dwyane Wade Sr., provided more context, explaining how a mutual friend intervened just in time. This friend, who was familiar with the gang members, managed to calm the situation by appealing to the gang leader’s sense of loyalty and respect. His timely intervention was crucial in diffusing the confrontation before it could escalate further.
Wade Sr. acknowledged the gravity of the moment, noting that the incident could have easily turned deadly. He reflected on how they might not have seen Dwyane Wade make it to the NBA if the situation had gone differently. This brush with danger serves as a stark reminder of the perilous environment Wade navigated during his upbringing in Chicago.
This near-fatal encounter highlights not only Wade’s resilience but also the pivotal role his community played in ensuring his safety and eventual rise to NBA stardom. It underscores the thin line between life and death that many young athletes face in tough neighborhoods and how crucial timely interventions and community support can be.
Wade’s story is a testament to overcoming adversity and the importance of having a strong support system to navigate life’s challenges.
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