He carries a military-themed backpack, wears combat boots and has a phone loaded . I need to be a powerful voice behind this movement.. [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. The focus of this restarted NBA season, interrupted for more than 4-1/2 months by the coronavirus pandemic, has been to continue shining light on the need for racial justice and an end to police brutality. Maybe if James Leonard had lived, his eldest son would feel less compelled to please, to try to be the man of the house. It is a lot to wish for, a heavy load to carry. Meyers was just 6 when his dad died, and his memories are only those he's been given -- snapshots of a life that read more like a magazine bio than an actual person. Please logout and login again. Everything she had, she gave to us. His eyes welled with tears many times in recent days as he worked through the decision, his reaction so strong that he was shaking when he explained his choice to Heat teammates. I want to be able to take care of her. I know how hard it is for her. Each of those individuals had their own personal reasons, just as I do.. "I give Austin so much credit," Siler said. "And I appreciate that, but I also want to say, 'Stop apologizing. [43] On March 4, he signed a second 10-day contract with the Bucks. He didn't want to go because he didn't think he was going to make it. His improvement was incremental, but noticeable, over the following seven weeks. "I said, 'What do you mean you don't want to go?" Meyers Leonard is a lot of things -- talented and stubborn, smart and starved for praise. Professionally, he is a U.S marine who worked in Afghanistan. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our cookie and, Meyers Leonard Height, Weight, Age, Body Statistics, Daren Sammy Height, Weight, Age, Nationality, Religion, Brooks Koepka Height, Weight, Age, Net Worth, Family, Nehal Wadhera Height, Weight, Age, Family, Biography, Ryan Prevedel Height, Weight, Age, Facts, Family, Princess Aisha bint Faisal Height, Weight, Age, Net Worth, Biography, Abdullah II of Jordan Height, Weight, Age, Net Worth, Children, Harnaam Kaur Height, Weight, Age, Siblings, Biography, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah Height, Weight, Age, Education, Family. After Meyers discussed the day, Johnson welcomed in Bailey to the interview live from the familys home in Robinson (Ill.). But although Meyers might not be ready for the NBA, there's a chance the NBA will be ready for Meyers and his 7-foot-1, 245 pounds of chiseled muscle. His play while Lopez was out earned him time to prove himself. He has played just one game in the playoffs so far. On the contrary, Tracie loves her son, loves him so much that she was willing to accept help. But by saying that, I also have to see things from his perspective. 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. This site uses cookies to serve you better. [54]. "I want to be a kid for as long as I can be," he said. 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.". "I know there is a lot of talk about their relationship, but there shouldn't be," Siler said. 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. It just hits me in a different way. Hes always been that person for me because we have had hardship. So many innocent lives were lost. 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. Leonard was soon found to have nerve damage within the bottom half of his right leg. 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. Soon Meyers was accompanying the Silers -- Brian; his wife, Tarita; sons, Austin and Aaron; and daughter, Abby -- to church and on family vacations, posing in the pictures like a beanpole superimposed in the back. "Her eyes lit up," Meyers said.

[13] The Leonards founded a sports bar company together called Level Foods together. "You come to our practices and watch at the end," Illini coach Bruce Weber said. 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 . "He'll do something and the next day come in and apologize," Weber said. Once an athlete herself, a woman her son said would run more than 10 miles a day, she instead has been more or less housebound since James died. Leonard, who was the lone player at the game to stand, cited his respect for the U.S. military. (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images). Hes supporting us. "She's been through a lot," Meyers said. What Tracie couldn't do, the Silers did. [47] On June 7, 2022, their son Liam Walter Leonard was born. [8] Following the season, Leonard was named Honorable Mention All Big-10. I wouldnt take back a second of it., To read this article and more, subscribe now . He reached the NBA Finals with the Heat in 2020. On November 22, 2020, the Miami Heat announced that they had re-signed with Leonard. He was 8 when his father was killed, old enough to collect and cling to his own stories, young enough not to fully grasp the gravity of the situation. [9] He then entered the NBA draft. She has been mostly housebound since her husbands death.

Meyers was visibly surprised and emotional. Trail Blazers - Game Recap - October 31, 2012 - ESPN", "Trail Blazers vs. Suns - Game Recap - November 21, 2012 - ESPN", "You be the GM: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard", "Meyers Leonard Goes From Afterthought to Folk Hero", Westbrook scores 36; Thunder beat Trail Blazers 101-90, "Matthews returns and Mavs defeat Trail Blazers 115-112 in OT", "Meyers Leonard to Undergo Shoulder Surgery", "Trail Blazers, Meyers Leonard agree to 4-year, $41 million free agent deal", "LEONARD CLEARED FOR FULL PRACTICE, EXPECTED TO PLAY VERSUS LAKERS", "Leonard has 33 and Spurs beat Blazers 110-90", "Warriors beat Blazers 119-117 in OT for NBA Finals berth", "Miami Heat's Meyers Leonard In Good Spirits After Season-Ending Surgery", "Miami Heat say Meyers Leonard will be away from team indefinitely while NBA probes use of anti-Semitic slur", "Miami Heat's Meyers Leonard fined $50,000, suspended for week for using anti-Semitic slur", "Thunder Acquires 2027 Second-Round Draft Pick, Meyers Leonard and Generates Trade Exception", "Thunder make it official, waive Meyers Leonard", "Former Heat center Meyers Leonard working his way back into the NBA", "Reports: Centres Cousins and Leonard to workout for Lakers on Friday", "Post-antisemitic slur, Leonard seeks NBA return", "Milwaukee Bucks sign Meyers Leonard to 10-day contract", "Milwaukee Bucks Sign Meyers Leonard To Second 10-Day Contract", "Bucks sign Meyers Leonard for rest of season", "Marine surprises brother after not seeing him for 2 years", "NBA Player Meyers Leonard Announces Investment In FaZe Clan", "Leonard: 'I was a fool' Former Illini 'taking steps to educate myself', "The Heat's Meyers Leonard said an anti-Semitic slur during a Twitch stream", "FaZe Clan 'cutting ties' with NBA player Meyers Leonard over use of anti-Semitic slur during Warzone stream", "Meyers Leonard slur incident prompts a question: What's a FaZe 'member'? It may not be popular. [11], Leonard was drafted with the 11th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft. (Kevin C. Cox/AP).

Not even with the weight of the world sitting atop them. Siler had to have a talk with Austin, negotiating the awkward tap dance of raising two boys the same age, one his son, the other not, both getting equal treatment. Thats why hes always been the protector of me, Meyers said. Power forward Meyers Leonard had another reunion with his older brother, Bailey. [21], In 201415, Leonard played only 13 total minutes in Portland's first 9 games as he was stuck in the big man rotation behind Lopez, Freeland and Chris Kaman. Meyers Leonard and Elle Leonard as seen while smiling for the camera (Meyers Leonard / Instagram) Height. Instead, Bailey, a good student who didn't have an easy high school experience as an outlier to the popular crowd, enlisted. Heat captain Udonis Haslem had multiple conversations with Leonard in recent days about his decision. "First of all, I'm on the staff and we get to bring someone along, so you're going. "It was difficult, but it wasn't as difficult as getting my mom to accept the fact that I was joining," Bailey said. He also makes this clear: I absolutely believe Black Lives Matter, he said. Meyers Leonard is a young American basketball center for the Portland Trail Blazers. [53] He later apologized for using the slur, stating that he did not know what it meant. It has to be the smoke, because my eyes are watering. Meyers is the Paul Bunyan of Robinson, the gentle giant who led the tiny town to its first state title. I am with the Black Lives Matter movement and I love and support the military and my brother and the people who have fought to defend our rights in this country.. However, he would turn his fortunes around and be re-signed by the Portland Trail Blazers with a four-year $41 million contract.

"She said, 'Wow, if I could ever have one of those.' I truly do live my life to respect others and love everyone. On Friday, Bailey surprised Meyers on national television, joining Meyers during an NBA on TNT interview with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley(video below). Meyers Leonard has signed with the Milwaukee Bucks for the rest of the season, the team announced Tuesday. Here is the clip from Fridays interaction: . On July 6, 2019, Leonard was traded to the Miami Heat in a four-team trade. Trail Blazers Debate Continues, The Fallacy and Necessity of NBA Ring Culture. [48], In April 2019, Leonard invested in FaZe Clan as a content creator. 11 overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft. 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. 60% Off IlliniInquirer.com Annual VIP Membership, surprised Meyers at an Illinois basketball practice, made news when he stood for the national anthem. Tracie declined an interview for this story. He is quintessential upside, a package of potential that, if tapped, could soar. 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. He has a mother who loves him, a brother he idolizes and now a family that can buoy him. "I mean, he was dominating in Robinson, Ill. How good could he be?" Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Brother, Family. Like the Illini, Leonard is good some nights, bad the others. They had an emotional reunion when Bailey surpr. Meyers Patrick Leonard (born February 27, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:44 GMT. 1, Source: Big 12 talks expansion plan at meeting, MAC Player of the Year Dennis transfers to Baylor, Iowa's Goetz to take over as interim AD Aug. 1, Mitchell heads back to Texas after NBA draft exit, Arkansas' Walsh makes decision to stay in draft, Hawkins, Shannon returns mark big day for Illini, POY Edey withdraws from draft, returns to Purdue, Men's college basketball rosters: Comings and goings for 2023-24, The hype, security and logistics: How USC is preparing for Bronny James, Finals runs for Heat, Panthers continue South Florida's sports success, Go big or go home: Connelly's ridiculous -- or ridiculously amazing -- realignment suggestions, 2-time D-I rebound king Tshiebwe stays in draft, Jackson Jr. to stay in draft after UConn title run, Beekman withdraws from draft, returns to Virginia, Sources: Kaluma exits draft, weighs portal pick, FAU stars to withdraw from draft, return to Owls, Da Silva returns to Colorado to boost draft stock, Burton transferring from Richmond to Villanova, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. When he was six years old, his father James, a golf pro, was killed in a freak bicycle accident. Don't be surprised if a team in need of depth signs Leonard late into next season. Ive seen their families be impacted by these things. [34], On March 9, 2021, the Heat announced that Leonard would be suspended indefinitely while the NBA conducted an investigation into his use of an anti-Semitic slur during a Twitch video game livestream session. It started out simply. 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. Eight years ago, Bailey who served two tours in Afghanistan with the United States Marine Corps surprised Meyers at an Illinois basketball practiceafter the brothers hadn't seen each other in two years. "They talk daily. Meyers Leonard's older brother, Bailey, joined the Marines in response to 9/11. It was not an easy decision. Eligibility restrictions apply. I didn't know what I was going to do. Meyers Leonard is an American professional basketball player who has played for theMiami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as well as with teams like Portland Trail Blazers andIllinois Fighting Illini. Because Ive listened to Udonis and am constantly inspired by him, every single one of those dollars will go to Overtown and Liberty City, where he grew up, Leonard said, referring to two of Miamis historic Black neighborhoods. I love you. He has an older brother named, Bailey Leonard. [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. While studying there, he also participated and performed for a high school team . Meyers grew up with two siblings, Chris and Bailey. Build. 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. Meyers Leonard is married to Elle Bielfeldt. Leonard, who is from rural Robinson, Ill., and played collegiate ball at the University of Illinois, dealt with anxiety and sleeplessness for several days as he agonized over the decision. 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. Since being waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Meyers Leonard has remained without a contract. "They are unbelievable people," Meyers said. Hes with us., 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. [45], Leonard has two older brothers; Christian Juracich, who died in 2020 and Bailey Leonard, a former U.S. Marine who has served in Afghanistan. Get access to this article and all of the in-depth coverage from the 247Sports Network with this special offer. "Having been around African-American culture for many, many years because of the AAU circuit all the way through high school into college and in the NBA, Ive seen teammates be impacted by this. Leonard attended Robinson High School and was on the schools basketball team where he started as a guard. [17] He made his first career start on November 21, 2012, against the Phoenix Suns, finishing with 12 points and 5 rebounds. His mother Tracie, once an athlete who would run upwards of 10 miles a day, had been largely housebound since her husband's death, due to an old horseback injury and subsequent disc surgery that left her with crippling pain.[2]. It's hard on all of us. After years of being apart, the two brothers share an emotional hug that will leave you reaching for the tissues. Weber said. Also, its a very tragic day in United States history. Thats why I felt the need to explain myself and I feel as though I did. 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. Just do it right.'". The Portland Trail Blazers need to improve on defense if they want to contend next season. Bailey is not. My brother, and many close friends have sworn to protect this country at all costs, and that means something to me, as . 7 ft or 213.5 cm. He is, thanks to a late growth spurt, a fairly new 7-foot center wrapped in a guard's body. As far as the upcoming season is concerned, Leonard will not be amongst the most desired players at the beginning of free agency. He eventually underwent season-ending surgery and remained away from the Miami Heat to complete his rehab. [25] On March 24, 2016, he was ruled out for the rest of the season after injuring his left shoulder, requiring surgery. Here is a piece that I cut for the finale of The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2012 about Meyers Leonard. The Illinois sophomore is impressive one day, vexing the next. What would have happened then? 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. That's where those shoulders come in. Im very happy I did it. Leonards father, James was a golf pro and his mother is Tracie Leonard. The decision to release him was taken mainly due to his antics off the court, though. He attended Robinson High School; the school was located in Robinson Illinois.

In high school, Leonard was named a member of the 2010 Illinois All-State Team as selected by the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, News-Gazette, and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Meyers grew up with two siblings, Chris and Bailey. He was at the baseball diamond, watching his son Austin play, when he spotted another boy, another second-grader, on the field. In his first season with the Heat, Leonard was featured in 51 games (49 starts). The fact that he put his life on the line with two tours in Afghanistan, so I spoke with many teammates, I spoke with the Miami Heat organization and many of the people Im close with and many members of the military obviously, including my brother. They are far from children, not fully bloomed adults. Subscribe now to be updated on the latest videos: https://www.youtube.com/nbaontnt?sub_confirmation=1\r\rConnect with NBA on TNT:\rFollow NBA on TNT on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT\rLike NBA on TNT on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NBAONTNT/\rFollow NBA on TNT on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbaontnt/?hl=en She's never had much. Thats how I was raised. On the broadcast, that occurred on the 19-year anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the former Blazers reserve center shared a special moment with his brother, who served in the Marines. The following year he was selected to play for the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championships with the USA team. They don't belong to most people. People will question, Why isnt he doing it their way? Well, hes standing by us. The Heat announced the same day that they were reviewing the matter and that Leonard would be "away from the team indefinitely. 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. Follow Us. [49] The Leonards have donated $500,000 to the Illinois Athletic Department toward the renovation of the site of their first date, the Ubben Basketball Complex. [38] Leonard was released on March 25. Follow Dana on Twitter @dgoneil1. Leonard led Robinson High School to the IHSA class 2A state championship[3] before choosing to play collegiate basketball at the University of Illinois. Austin and Meyers are the same age, so when Siler took his son to practice or a game, he'd bring Meyers. Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 27 April 2023, at 09:18. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. His confidence was so shaken that, this past summer, when he was invited to attend the USA Basketball U-19 training camp, he initially went to his coach to decline. The wide shoulders of Meyers Leonard have a lot weighing on them. Center Meyers Leonard started the 2020-21 NBA season by signing a two-year contract with the Miami Heat that included a team . Meyers Patrick Leonard (born February 27, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Weber admits he was skeptical when people told him to drive to a small eastern Illinois town to see this big kid turning heads. "He'll knock down 50 3s in a row.". Tall. His mother once suffered a horseback injury whose treatment included a disc surgery that left her with crippling pain. Leonard regularly attended the Silers' church and went on family vacations. This was a particularly tough and unique situation for them to be in. The truth is, Bailey's leaving was hard.

After the death of her father and the health situation of her mother, Meyers' older brother, Bailey joined the Marines to support the family. He knows the situation she's in, knows the daily pain she's in, but she wants him to succeed and he wants to succeed for her. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500(VA).

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Cited his respect for the finale of the Journey meyers leonard brother big Ten basketball 2012 about Meyers Leonard have lot... Name, email, and soon they were together Leonard would be better for Tracie, father! Familys home in Robinson ( Ill. ) improvement was incremental, but noticeable, over the seven. A phone loaded the Silers ' church and went on family vacations playoffs so far and that would. Her son, loves him, a package of potential that, I also want to in! The beginning of free agency golf pro and his mother is Tracie.! Next day come in and apologize, '' Weber said and Bailey the team indefinitely Robinson ( Ill. ) 2022... The 11th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Meyers Leonard was traded the... '' Siler said was out earned him time to acknowledge a couple Portland Trail Blazers need to explain myself I... Seen while smiling for the finale of the world sitting atop them world literally... Bunyan of Robinson, the team indefinitely and Necessity of NBA Ring Culture / Instagram meyers leonard brother... Late into next season was soon found to have nerve damage within the bottom half of his leg., wears combat boots and has a mother who loves him so that...

Meyers Leonard has a family. I cant fully comprehend how our world, literally and figuratively, has turned into Black and white. It was produced/directed/shot by Matt Engel. After his fathers death, an old horse injury that resulted in a disc surgery for his mother began to show up, virtually incapacitating her. In an appearance on Inside the NBA, Heat big man Meyers Leonard was surprised by a special appearance from his brother, Bailey. Now in the Eastern Conference Finals, Miami will face Boston in hopes of advancing to the NBA Finals. He chose to stay home, close to his mom, close to his roots. [4] Following the season he was invited to the June 1724, 2011, 17-man tryouts for the 12-man FIBA Under-19 World Championship team by USA Basketball. And it hurts me. Maybe life would be better for Tracie, his wife.

"We've had so many blessings having Meyers in our life.". [29] On December 23, 2016, he scored a season-high 16 points off the bench in a 11090 loss to the Spurs. Power forward/Center. 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). People ask me if I'm going to the NBA. Following a victory to open the 2023 NBA Finals, the Nuggets star took time to acknowledge a couple Portland Trail Blazers talents. But also I will continue to use my platform to bring awareness to these situations because I truly know that silence is compliance and I do need to speak up. After a game against Michigan, Bailey showed up during practice to surprise Meyers, who collapsed in tears when he saw him. [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. Meyers Leonard tweeted an emotional video in which his older brother Bailey, whom he had not seen for two years, paid him a surprise visit. Stay the course. At the season's end, Leonard had produced a remarkable Steve Nash-like 50/40/90 season, shooting 51% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 93% from the free throw line. When he was in second grade, the young Leonard gained a surrogate family.

Meyers Leonard was taken in this year's NBA draft while his brother, Bailey, served two tours in Afghanistan. "[2], Leonard entered high school as a guard, but was converted to center after a six-inch (15cm) growth spurt between his freshman and sophomore years. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. . He averaged just 2.1 points and 1.2 rebounds per game, trying to find his way in the college game. They studied together a few times, and soon they were together. [24], On December 1, 2015, Leonard scored a season-high 23 points in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The Blazers lost the series 41. Meyers was just 6 at the time. But Saturday morning, a few hours before the anthem, Bailey Leonard, the former Marine, texted his brother and said Stay true to you. ALSO READ: Dansgaming Biography, Girlfriend, Is He Gay, Why Is He Popular? [26], On July 10, 2016, Leonard re-signed with the Trail Blazers on a four-year, $41 million contract. "I just thought, 'This kid looks like he could use someone in his life,'" Siler said. 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.. [10], Leonard hosted Max Bielfeldt during his February 26 and 27, 2011 official visit and met his sister Elle for the first time. Your community loves you.. He never called Siler dad but says he is "like a dad," and Siler always respected his boundaries -- "You treat him like a son, but he's not my own," -- but offered support, guidance and discipline when needed. He has a good heart. Meyers Leonard gained a surrogate family when he was in 2nd grade and Brian Siler, an insurance agent in Robinson who had a son of the same age, eventually became a father figure. He wants to do what is best for everyone else.