Meyers grew up with two siblings, Chris and Bailey.
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.

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.

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.

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