Meyers grew up with two siblings, Chris and Bailey. Professionally, he is a U.S marine who worked in Afghanistan. People ask me if I'm going to the NBA. I felt I had an obligation to put on a uniform in the service of the United States of America, not for revenge but maybe in some way shape or form, I could have an impact on something like that never happening again. Get ready to witness a heartwarming moment in sports history as Meyers Leonard's older brother, a Marine, surprises him during his final college basketball game. Power forward Meyers Leonard had another reunion with his older brother, Bailey. [5] Leonard was one of 12 selected players that competed as Team USA in the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championships in Latvia from June 30 July 10, 2011, and placed fifth in the competition. Brian Siler, who also lives in Robinson and had a son the same age as Meyers, took over this role and supported young Meyers with advice and assistance. And if hes proud of me, and if my brothers on this team are with me, then I know this is what I have to do.. [11][12] Elle was friends with Mike Davis' girlfriend, and after Illinois' 201011 basketball season, their relationship developed. Turns out: very good. Leading up to my decision to stand for the anthem caused a lot of heartache because I know what the military means to me and what my brother means to me, Meyers said. His play while Lopez was out earned him time to prove himself. He is far from a finished product. Leonard's father, James was a golf pro and his mother is Tracie Leonard. He wants to do well for so many people.". I want to be able to take care of her. They were together for almost three years before they got engaged. I didn't know what I was going to do. [27][28] On October 8, 2016, he was cleared for all practice activities, six months after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. Popovich, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, stood with arms at his side. The Orlando Magic's Jonathan Isaac stands as others kneel before the start of an NBA "bubble" basketball game on July 31, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich stands while wearing a mask as Sacramento Kings head coach Luke Walton, center, kneels with players on July 31, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Players take a knee for the national anthem before the start of a game between the Nuggets and the Heat at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on Aug. 1, 2020. The truth is, Bailey's leaving was hard. "He'll do something and the next day come in and apologize," Weber said. Meyers Patrick Leonard (born February 27, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Maybe if James Leonard had lived, his eldest son would feel less compelled to please, to try to be the man of the house. LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) Meyers Leonard has a brother who served two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines. People will question, Why isnt he doing it their way? Well, hes standing by us. The Blazers lost the series 41. Meyers Leonard is married to Elle Bielfeldt.
Like Meyers himself, a straightforward 19-year-old whose cropped haircut and intense gaze let you know he doesn't suffer fools or slights well, the shoulders are strong and unflinching. Robinson isn't a big town, and the 6,000 or so people there celebrate the good news and mourn the tragedy. Its sad, and its wrong. [10], Leonard hosted Max Bielfeldt during his February 26 and 27, 2011 official visit and met his sister Elle for the first time. But then again, if James Leonard had lived, maybe Meyers Leonard wouldn't be Meyers Leonard. He saw action in 29 fewer games in 201314, with his minutes and points per game cut in half, as the Blazers transformed from a lottery team to a playoff contender. It may not be popular. [26], On July 10, 2016, Leonard re-signed with the Trail Blazers on a four-year, $41 million contract. In an appearance on Inside the NBA, Heat big man Meyers Leonard was surprised by a special appearance from his brother, Bailey.

Meyers was visibly surprised and emotional. This wasn't the first case of him making the headlines for the wrong reasons either. But the former Illini made news when he stood for the national anthem despite most NBA players kneeling in support of the Black Lives Matter protest. He started with high school teams and then went on to college before entering the NBA draft and eventually professional basketball. The couple was married at the Oregon Golf Club. Theres a line in the sand, so to speak: If youre not kneeling, youre not with us. And thats not true. Leonard started 51 games this season for Miami before suffering an injury. [20] On January 2, 2014, he had a season-best game with 8 points and 10 rebounds in a 134104 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. They are not filthy rich -- Brian is an insurance agent -- but they are comfortable, and, more, they are Christian, holding fast to the notion that, by helping someone else, they will be rewarded 10 times over. He explained his reasoning before Saturday to current teammates and several former ones, almost all of them Black then stood near midcourt, hand over his heart, as the song blared. So many innocent lives were lost. Weber said.

[37] The Thunder stated that Leonard would not be joining the team or participating in any basketball activities and that they had traded for him as a salary filler. And the real and raw emotion that I feel when I hear that anthem and I think about my brother Bailey sending those photos home when he was away and not knowing always how he was doing, that is raw emotion to me. August 1, 2020 5:03 PM. "And boy, has that ever been the case here," Siler said. His being out there with us, as our brother, its still showing strength, its still showing unity, its still showing that were coming together for a common cause, Haslem said. What Tracie couldn't do, the Silers did. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Portland Trailblazer Meyers Leonard gets surprised by his Marine brother, home from Afghanistan and dammit, who's chopping onions in here? Heat forward Jimmy Butler also tried to make a statement Saturday, walking onto the court with a jersey without any name on the back. Meyers Leonard was taken in this year's NBA draft while his brother, Bailey, served two tours in Afghanistan. He eventually underwent season-ending surgery and remained away from the Miami Heat to complete his rehab. The terrorist attacks on the United States which happened when Bailey was 11 and Meyers was nine inspired Bailey to eventually enlist in the Marine Corps. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. This site uses cookies to serve you better. In his freshman year, Leonard averaged 2.1 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in 8.2 minutes per game. The following year he was selected to play for the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championships with the USA team. My little brother, I tell you what, he may be about eight inches taller than me, bigger than me, but I respect my younger brother more than almost anybody else who walks on this planet, Bailey said. 7 ft or 213.5 cm. Leonard's second 10-day deal with the Bucks expired on Monday and Milwaukee decided to . Bailey has his dad's ring and wears it everywhere, even in the Afghan desert, where he's serving his second tour as a Marine. Siler knew Leonard had died, leaving his boys without a dad. It wasnt an easy decision because I truly do understand and see what is going on in America right now. He also makes this clear: I absolutely believe Black Lives Matter, he said. Later Friday, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich and Spurs assistant Becky Hammon both stood for the anthem. [25] On March 24, 2016, he was ruled out for the rest of the season after injuring his left shoulder, requiring surgery. [50], On March 9, 2021, Leonard received criticism for using the anti-jewish slur "kike" during a Twitch stream while playing Call of Duty: Warzone. He unsuccessfully lobbied the NBA to play in a jersey with just a number, and had to switch into a jersey with his name before the game could begin. Just do it right.'". It just hits me in a different way. So it wasn't surprising that no other team decided to sign him on a veteran's minimum contract. Brian Siler remembers the moment he decided to change his life. He has played just one game in the playoffs so far. Tall. Leonard was soon found to have nerve damage within the bottom half of his right leg. But Meyers stands at a life intersection that is especially confusing. They don't belong to most people. His game is not entirely ready for the NBA, but his body is. And it hurts me. Hes always been that person for me because we have had hardship. I could tell she knew it was what I wanted, but I can never understand what it is like for a mother to hear her son say he wants to join the Marine Corps, especially during a time of war.". "Most are faint, but some stand out more than others. Weber said. Meyers whose father died in a bicycle accident when he was 6 and Bailey was 8 called his brothers enlistment one of the hardest days of my life., Im already an emotional human being. After Meyers discussed the day, Johnson welcomed in Bailey to the interview live from the familys home in Robinson (Ill.). The two had become inseparable after the death of their father. It's hard on all of us. In these cases, the average was taken. Your community loves you.. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). "She's been through a lot," Meyers said. He grew up in a loving family, but was plagued by life diseases at a young age and later made a career as a professional basketball player. Heat captain Udonis Haslem had multiple conversations with Leonard in recent days about his decision. Meyers Patrick Leonard (born February 27, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). On the contrary, Tracie loves her son, loves him so much that she was willing to accept help. Leonard led Robinson High School to the IHSA class 2A state championship[3] before choosing to play collegiate basketball at the University of Illinois. Some of the conversations Ive had over the past three days, quite literally, have been the most difficult, Leonard told The Associated Press prior to the game. It was produced/directed/shot by Matt Engel. There was a video of Bailey and Meyers in 2012 that . On the contrary, Tracie loves her son, loves him so much that she was willing to accept help. But my brother joined the United States marine corps because of 9-11. A one-time pitcher turned guard turned big man after a six-inch growth spurt between his freshman and sophomore years in high school, Meyers is something of a basketball anomaly. What would have happened then? He does it to help people, and thats the bottom line., Bailey enlisted in the Marines in 2008. He didn't want to go because he didn't think he was going to make it. Ive seen their families be impacted by these things. [40], On January 13, 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted Leonard for a workout, which was the first publicized activity of his attempted NBA comeback after his anti-Semitism controversy. Athletic. Your login session has expired. 60% Off IlliniInquirer.com Annual VIP Membership, surprised Meyers at an Illinois basketball practice, made news when he stood for the national anthem. "He'll knock down 50 3s in a row.". Center Meyers Leonard started the 2020-21 NBA season by signing a two-year contract with the Miami Heat that included a team option for the second year.

Here is the clip from Fridays interaction: . That's where those shoulders come in. After high school, he decided to play college basketball at the University of Illinois. And Saturday, Leonard said he and his wife will donate $100,000 to a fund that helps pay the fees Floridians leaving jails or prisons must settle before they can have their voting rights restored. As far as the upcoming season is concerned, Leonard will not be amongst the most desired players at the beginning of free agency. While addressing questions on this matter during his NBA Finals press conference, Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned the following: This led to several fans pointing at Meyers Leonard's situation and how he found his way out of the league because of a comment he made online. NBA Finals Game 1: Heat vs. Nuggets Time, TV, Discussion, Trade or Use the Third Pick? She has been mostly housebound since her husbands death. He was at the baseball diamond, watching his son Austin play, when he spotted another boy, another second-grader, on the field. His town, population dwindling and worn down by a worn-out economy, needs a hero. As the Miami Heat tweeted, we should continue to honor those people and the first responders and everyone involved because there are many, many families who are still morning the losses of their loved ones. He went on to pick up DNPs in 11 of the next 12 games. [54]. Thats why this day is often very, very difficult to me. Besides his bad reputation, he was also recovering from a serious injury. For the things that he does off the court, for one, carrying himself in the highest regard and not wanting anything extra for the actions he takes, just for being a good person. It was not an easy decision. It bought him a lifetime of adoration and free drinks in his hometown and unexpected attention from college scouts. Thats who I am. When asked what he thinks of Elle, Meyers says he struck gold. In the following two seasons, Leonard had a tough time in terms of on-court time, performance, and injury. The two brothers shared an emotional moment tonight on Inside the NBA.Watch h. They studied together a few times, and soon they were together. 1 Comment. Leonards father, James was a golf pro and his mother is Tracie Leonard. Gear Up For *YOUR* Game At RevUpSports.com*Like \u0026 Subscribe On Our Socials! In his first season with the Heat, Leonard was featured in 51 games (49 starts). Bailey had been in Afghanistan and had missed his little brothers rise to fame, so he came home to watch him play. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Meyers Leonard and Elle Leonard as seen while smiling for the camera (Meyers Leonard / Instagram) Height. On November 15, 2014, with LaMarcus Aldridge scratched with an upper respiratory illness against the Brooklyn Nets, Leonard picked up the start at power forward, playing 29 minutes. Meyers Leonard of the Miami Heat stood for the national anthem before his team played the Denver Nuggets. "First of all, I'm on the staff and we get to bring someone along, so you're going. [33] On February 2, 2021, it was reported that Leonard had undergone shoulder surgery and would miss the remainder of 202021 season. But Saturday morning, a few hours before the anthem, Bailey Leonard, the former Marine, texted his brother and said Stay true to you. Meyers Leonard comes from an athlete family background as his father James Leonard was a pro golf player who unfortunately died in a bicycle accident. He has no malicious intent towards anybody, no matter their color, creed, religion. I am so thankful for it and so, so lucky.". Dana O'Neil covers college basketball for ESPN.com and can be reached at espnoneil@live.com. "He's had to grow up quickly because he's always had so much responsibility, and now here's more. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Leonard attended Robinson High School and was on the schools basketball team where he started as a guard. LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla Meyers Leonard has a brother who served two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines. Power forward/Center. On November 22, 2020, the Miami Heat announced that they had re-signed with Leonard. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! Still, Leonard simply could not bring himself to kneel for the national anthem. Stay the course. He has done endorsement work for brands likeCELSIUS Energy Drink andCoors Light. Folklore good. Gambling Problem? Heat center Meyers Leonard stands as teammates kneel during Saturday's playing of the anthem in the "NBA bubble" on Aug. 1, 2020. When Meyers was in high school, he remembers his mother staring out the door and across the street at a pearl Cadillac STS sitting in the lot. Following a victory to open the 2023 NBA Finals, the Nuggets star took time to acknowledge a couple Portland Trail Blazers talents. It has to be the smoke, because my eyes are watering. . Follow Dana on Twitter @dgoneil1. He wants to do what is best for everyone else. Get ready to witness a heartwarming moment in sports history as Meyers Leonard's older brother, a Marine, surprises him during his final college basketball g. It has not abandoned him. Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard joined Fridays edition of Inside the NBA and was surprised by a special message from his brother, Bailey. The Orlando Magic's Jonathan Isaac stands as others kneel before the start of an NBA "bubble" basketball game on July 31, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Ashley Landis/AP). He had his first career start against the Phoenix Suns, and he finished the game with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Don't be surprised if a team in need of depth signs Leonard late into next season. (U.S. Marine who has served in Afghanistan), Chris Leonard (Older Brother) Position. Having a close relationship his entire life with big brother Bailey, Meyers was shocked when his brother, who was currently on duty as a U.S. Marine, flew to Illinois to surpise Meyers and watch him play for the first time in years.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n