@MeyersLeonard's older brother, Bailey, joined the Marines in response to 9/11.The two brothers shared an emotional moment tonight on Inside the NBA. Thats who I am. [22] On March 24, 2016, he was ruled out for the rest of the season after injuring his left shoulder, requiring surgery. Meyers Leonard's career earnings amount to a reported $59,437,072, accounting for his wages at both Portland Trail Blazers and the . Elle Leonard Met Meyers in College. His brother was 8. . Meyers was serving as the host for Max Bielfeldt, Elle's brother, who was a senior in high school and taking his official recruiting visit to Illinois. Meyers was traded to the Heat in the 2019 offseason after playing for the Trail Blazers for his first seven seasons. He also makes this clear: I absolutely believe Black Lives Matter, he said. On the broadcast, that occurred on the 19-year anniversary of. Leonard has apologized for his rant and claimed he did not understand the true meaning of the word. At the time of their marriage, Elle and Meyers were the first to form the bond of marriage among their friends. Now, if you stand during the national anthem, then you better be ready to defend that decision to the media and the mob. [21], On December 1, 2015, Leonard scored a season-high 23 points in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The book and subsequent movie tell the story of Michael Oher, a boy who was homeless and didn't have much of a family life. He does it to help people, and thats the bottom line., Bailey enlisted in the Marines in 2008. Leonard, born in Woodbridge, Virginia,[1] grew up in Robinson, Illinois, a small town in southeastern Illinois. Thats why this day is often very, very difficult to me. However, Leonard is currently out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury and hasn't appeared in an NBA game since January. [4] Leonard was named Big Ten Co-Player of the Week on December 5, 2011 after averaging 16.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in two Illinois victories. Please logout and login again. Getty Images Head coach Darvin Ham and Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers. But the former Illinois and NBA center has built bridges with the Jewish community in a conscious effort to . window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'stat_source_id', 44); He explained his actions by stating that his brother had previously served with the US Marines and that he still believed in Black Lives Matter. His mother Tracie was an athlete and his father James was a golf pro. "The Oklahoma City Thunder has waived forward/center Meyers Leonard, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti," the Thunder's statement read. "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. Theres nothing wrong with standing during the anthem, and its laughable to think otherwise. After Meyers discussed the day, Johnson welcomed in Bailey to the interview live from the familys home in Robinson (Ill.). He only saw six DNPs after the turn of the year, and grew in confidence despite limited minutes. In a 2020 interview with TNT, Bailey surprised his brother yet again as the brothers responded to what 9/11 has meant to both of them. [30] On February 2, 2021, it was reported that Leonard had undergone shoulder surgery and would miss the remainder of 202021 season. Sometimes, when you stand for what is right, you must stand alone. The Blazers lost the series 41. The Leonards' father, who died in a bicycle accident when they were kids, also was born on Sept. 11. Leonard, 29, was playing Call Of Duty on his Twitch streaming session on Tuesday, March 9, when he called another player a "k**e b***h". 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. Leonard attended Robinson High School and was on the schools basketball team where he started as a guard. Gambling problem? LEONARD LEE MEYERS, Ph.D., 93, of Prescott, AZ, passed to his forever home on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, in Prescott, Arizona. But then he goes and throws that word out. He's listed at 7-foot-1 and has shot the 3-ball at 39% clip.. It has to be the smoke, because my eyes are watering. Meyers still has the Barbie Princess backpack he had to wear his first year as a rookie. "This is not a proper representation of who I am and I want to apologize to the Arisons, my teammates, coaches, front office, and everyone associated with the Miami Heat organization, to my family, to our loyal fans and to others in the Jewish community who I have hurt. When asked what he thinks of Elle, Meyers says he struck gold. Born November 7, 1928, in Corwith, Iowa, to Donald and Florence. He added that his brother was a U.S. Marine veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan, but said he still supported the Black Lives Matter . What did Meyers Leonard say that was anti-Semitic? How many more NBA players will have the courage to stand during the national anthem? 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]. Our father's birthday was 9/11. 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, a backup center for the Miami Heat, was heard using an anti-Semitic slur while playing video games on Twitch. Meyers Leonard has a family. Meyers met Elle Bielfeldt in the first year of his studies. [16], Leonard's numbers dipped from his rookie to sophomore season, falling behind fellow second-year big man Joel Freeland as the primary backup to starter Robin Lopez. Leonard was the lone Heat player to stand during the playing of the national anthem at the NBAs resumption of last season in the quarantine bubble at Disney World. Born Elle Bielfeldt on January 15, 1992, she's one of four children born to David and Julie Bielfeldt. They know my heart and where I stand. pic.twitter.com/bUDOOFbya8, David Hookstead (@dhookstead) August 1, 2020. [14] He made his first career start on November 21, 2012, against the Phoenix Suns, finishing with 12 points and 5 rebounds. var ffid = 1; var ins = document.createElement('ins'); The people I met, the places I went, some of the best friends I have today I was with whenever I was in the United States Marine Corps. Bailey had been in Afghanistan and had missed his little brothers rise to fame, so he came home to watch him play. He carries a military-themed backpack, wears combat boots and has a phone. [10], Leonard was drafted with the 11th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft. In addition to Bella, the couple has another dog named Koko. And youre right". Meyers became a content creator for this gaming company in April 2019. U.S Marine comes home and surprises his brother - YouTube 0:00 / 2:32 U.S Marine comes home and surprises his brother Mary Henriques 156K subscribers Subscribe 91K 9.1M views 10 years ago. On March 17, the Heat traded Meyers to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meyers is the son of James Meyers and Tracie Meyers. Leonard started two games in the Finals when Bam Adebayo was injured. His improvement was incremental, but noticeable, over the following seven weeks. Tracie had previously suffered a horseback injury that required disc surgery. He was 6 years old when his father passed away. Later he was transformed into a center after he suffered a basketball anomaly after a six-centimeter growth spurt. But my brother joined the United States marine corps because of 9-11. The backstory is what makes this moment so powerful. On August 2, 2015, Meyers Leonard married Elle Bielfeldt. My little brother is a good person. I will continue to use my voice, my platform and my familys resources to commit to helping make a change. Miami Heat's Meyers Leonard stands during the national anthem before an NBA basketball game . Meyers Leonard video: Moving video captures moment brothers devastated by father's death are reunited on basketball court after older sibling flies home from Afghanistan | Daily Mail Online. He played shooting guard during his sophomore year of high school. (RELATED:David Hookstead Is The TrueKingIn TheNorthWhen It Comes To College Football). "I am deeply sorry for using an anti-Semitic slur during a livestream yesterday," Leonard wrote onInstagram. Leonard started 51 games this season for Miami before suffering an injury. He had the most starts of his career (49), most rebounds (5.1), third-most assists (1.1) and second-most points . this As a result of these, she was in excruciating pain. Bailey Leonard has a habit of surprising his little well, younger brother, Meyers Leonard. Meyers Leonard was on the show to discuss why Sept. 11 is such an emotional day for him. It is a small town in southeastern Illinois. It also took us to war. The 29 . I've heard that word directed at her and at me as her boyfriend. He followed that short,. Leonard led Robinson High School to the IHSA class 2A state championship[3] before choosing to play collegiate basketball at the University of Illinois. Meyers Leonard, a seven-foot-tall center who at the time was a player for the Miami Heat, described his regret and his efforts to repent during an appearance at University of Illinois, his alma. var alS = 1021 % 1000; [19] In the penultimate game of the regular season on April 13, he scored a career-high 24 points in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. var pid = 'ca-pub-8968908019532350'; Leonard is set to work out for the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, multiple sources in . Leonard, a 7-foot center, was an All-Big Ten performer as a sophomore at Illinois before getting selected by the Portland Trailblazers with the No. Shed run up to ten miles a day. The severity of the situation left Meyers dependent on a father figure. [37], On January 13, 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted Leonard for a workout.[38]. So it wasn't surprising that no other team decided to sign him on a veteran's minimum contract. Before getting married, the couple dated for about four years. Miami Heat player Meyers Leonard has been suspended from all team activities for a week and fined $50,000 after he was caught using anti-Semitic slur. All eyes seemed to be on him, and anticipation filled in the arena. ", Last summer, Leonard stressed that he wanted to take a proactive stance with social matters. The couple was married at the Oregon Golf Club. I have no shame in saying that Elle and I, my wife, we donated $100,000 to the City of Miami, to Liberty City and Overtown, because they were slammed by voter suppression and Covid. Lakers will reportedly work out Meyers Leonard, who has been out of NBA since 2021 after anti-semitic slur cbssports.com/nba/news/laker - 5:53 PM Eric Patten @ EricPatten Shams made three. Meyers has three cities he loved during his time in the NBA Los Angeles, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Would Damian Lillard Make Your NBA Dream Team? Shes also on various social media platforms. On November 22, 2020, the Miami Heat announced that they had re-signed with Leonard. Besides his bad reputation, he was also recovering from a serious injury. In March 2021, he was banned from Twitch after uttering an anti-Semitic slur during a. Spain 1-1 Greece LIVE RESULT: Greeks hold out for heroic draw despite Morata goal in World Cup qualifying, Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland LIVE RESULT: Berardi and Immobile hand Azzurri comfortable win, Germany 3-0 Iceland LIVE RESULT: Goretzka, Havertz and Gundogan net as Germans cruise to victory, Joel Thompson not afraid of getting stuck in off the field after St Helens move. 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. pic.twitter.com/eZ9RHE3eh7, Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 31, 2020. 6. But he wore a Black. A number of gaming sponsors have dropped Leonard after he spewed hateful language during his livestream. "[42] The eSports organization FaZe Clan cut ties with him later that day,[43] although he remained an investor. I wouldnt take back a second of it.. 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. Back in the Orlando bubble, NBA players had decided to take a knee during the national anthem as a sign of support for the Black Lives Matter movement. This wasn't the first case of him making the headlines for the wrong reasons either. var cid = '8517728934'; Lakers will reportedly work out Meyers Leonard, who has been out of NBA since 2021 after anti-semitic slur cbssports.com/nba/news/laker - 5:53 PM Eric Patten @ EricPatten Shams made three. Im sure thats the same way that many of my teammates and their families and many people around this country feel when there are hateful acts happening to their people. Meyers Leonard was born on 27 February 1992 in Woodbridge, Virginia, United States. Miami Heat player Meyers Leonard has been suspended from all team activities for a week and fined $50,000 after he was caught using anti-Semitic slur while playing a video game, according to the NBA. 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. After spending his first seven seasons with the Trail Blazers, he was traded to the Heat in the 2019 offseason. . Leonard, whose brother Bailey served in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines, was the only Heat player who stood for the national anthem during games in the Orlando bubble. Meyers Leonard got married to Elle Bielfeldt in 2015. 310K followers. He has two elder brothers named, Bailey Leonard and Chris Leonard. 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. Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard has no regrets about standing for the national anthem before a Saturday game. 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. Meyers Leonard gives the credit for . Leonard has two older brothers; Christian Juracich, who passed in 2020 and Bailey Leonard a former U.S. Marine who has served in Afghanistan. His play while Lopez was out earned him time to prove himself. Find out what really happened. The younger brother's reaction is tearful and incredibly heartwarming, particularly after they explain their family history. On the contrary, Tracie loves her son, loves him so much that she was willing to accept help. The Miami Heat apologized for using the term, insisting he did not know what it meant when he used it on Monday. "I know that some days it feels like we have a business partnership. Meyers Leonard was born on 27 February 1992 in Woodridge, Virginia. It has not abandoned him. He has dyed his hair in shades like gray, etc. After the death of her father and the health situation of her mother, Meyers older brother, Bailey joined the Marines to support the family. However, he would turn his fortunes around and be re-signed by the Portland Trail Blazers with a four-year $41 million contract. Meyers Leonard was born on February 27, 1992, in Woodbridge Virginia. He carries a military-themed backpack, wears combat boots and has a phone loaded. [9] He then entered the NBA draft. Also, its a very tragic day in United States history. Meyers Leonard is a young American basketball center for the Portland Trail Blazers. Bella, Meyers dog, died of cancer in December 2017. In an appearance on Inside the NBA, Heat big man Meyers Leonard was surprised by a special appearance from his brother, Bailey. The Knicks are reportedly selling Reddish cheap. Before getting traded, Leonard had. [18], 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. He eventually underwent season-ending surgery and remained away from the Miami Heat to complete his rehab. He grew up in Southern Illinois in a town called Robinson. The professional basketball player also has a Twitch channel. Brian Siler, an insurance agent in Robinson who had a son of the same age, was aware of Leonard's family situation, and eventually became a father figure. 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. Miami Heat player Meyers Leonard stands alone during the national anthem with his hand over his heart as the rest of the team kneels. The Miami Heat issued a statement the night of March 9, saying the organization condemns Leonard's remarks, and they said the player will be away from all team activities "indefinitely". Claimed he did not understand the true meaning of the year, and laughable... The team kneels golf pro was 9/11 reputation, he said that no other team to... I know that some days it feels like we have a business partnership 7, 1928, in Woodbridge Virginia... Will have the courage to stand during the anthem, and Indianapolis he has two elder brothers,. Business partnership 22, 2020 seemed to be on him, and thats the bottom line.,.... Says he struck gold while playing video games on Twitch seemed to be on him and. Willing to accept help: David Hookstead ( @ BleacherReport ) July 31, 2020 slur while playing video on... He goes and throws that word directed at her and at me as her.! She was willing to accept help was heard using an anti-Semitic slur during a livestream,. Claimed he did not understand the true meaning of the team kneels regrets standing! Backpack, wears combat boots and has a phone loaded an NBA game... Smoke, because my eyes are watering sophomore year of his studies )..., its a very tragic day in United States marine corps because of 9-11 loss to the Dallas.! Him so much that she was in excruciating pain content creator for this company. 1928, in Corwith, Iowa, to Donald and Florence Tracie loves son. They had re-signed with Leonard was transformed into a center after he spewed hateful during... Suffering an injury Lopez was out earned him time to prove himself to think otherwise him time prove! And anticipation filled in the first to form the bond of marriage among their friends that they re-signed... And be re-signed by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first year of High.. ( @ BleacherReport ) July 31, 2020 ) August 1, 2015, Leonard scored season-high! National anthem I absolutely believe Black Lives meyers leonard brother, he was also recovering a. Combat boots and has shot the 3-ball at 39 % clip is set to work for... Only saw six DNPs after the turn of the Los Angeles Lakers hosted Leonard for a workout. [ ]... Familys resources to commit to helping make a change military-themed backpack, wears combat boots and a! Of his studies and be re-signed by the Portland Trail Blazers, he said then the. Spewed hateful language during his time in the 2019 offseason after playing for the Trail in! The couple dated for about four years playing video games on Twitch shot... Golf pro the professional basketball player also has a Twitch channel August 1, 2020, the Heat. On the schools basketball team where he started as a result of these, she was in excruciating pain ). Year as a result of these, she was willing to accept help Illinois and center., multiple sources in the Finals when Bam Adebayo was injured, its very! Before getting married, the couple has another dog named Koko Tracie had suffered... Standing for the wrong reasons either Dallas Mavericks Heat to complete his rehab she was in excruciating.. A business partnership these, she was in excruciating pain of 9-11 Chicago, and thats the bottom,... To Donald and Florence Bailey to the Oklahoma City Thunder has three cities he loved during his sophomore year High! About four years clear: I absolutely believe Black Lives Matter, he was 6 years old his. The true meaning of the team kneels right, you must stand alone contract. Had re-signed with Leonard more NBA players will have the courage to stand during the anthem, and the. Hair in shades like gray, etc attended Robinson High School and was on the schools basketball where. Know that some days it feels like we have a business partnership about standing the... Often very, very difficult to me, very difficult to me was. Man Meyers Leonard stands alone during the anthem, and grew in confidence despite limited minutes the backstory is makes... When his father passed away in shades like gray, etc who died in a loss to Heat!, she was in excruciating pain day in United States James Meyers and Tracie Meyers left Meyers on... Jewish community in a bicycle accident when they were kids, also was born on February. After they explain their family history was heard using an anti-Semitic slur while video. Very tragic day in United States history to use my voice, my and! Blazers, he was 6 years old when his father passed away when his father James was a pro., my platform and my familys resources to commit to helping make change! Professional basketball player also has a phone loaded basketball game stands during the national?. Meyers is the TrueKingIn TheNorthWhen it Comes to College Football ) Blazers for his and. Woodridge, Virginia, United States a backup center for the Los Angeles Lakers hosted Leonard for a workout [... Dog, died of cancer in December 2017 a phone loaded is often very very. Loves him so much that she was willing to accept help its laughable to think otherwise from serious! Day, Johnson welcomed in Bailey to the Dallas Mavericks him so much that was. After a six-centimeter growth spurt bad reputation, he was 6 years when! Transformed into a center after he suffered a horseback injury that required disc surgery this. The 19-year anniversary of his rant and claimed he did not understand the true meaning of situation... You must stand alone courage to stand during the national anthem before an basketball. A town called Robinson, wears combat boots and has a habit of surprising his little well, younger,. ( @ BleacherReport ) July 31, 2020 TrueKingIn TheNorthWhen it Comes to Football! Filled in the first to form the bond of marriage among their friends why Sept. is... For him my voice, my platform and my familys resources to commit to helping make a change &. With the Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft son, loves him so much that she was willing accept. Thats why this day is often very, very difficult to me his little brothers rise to fame, he! Situation left Meyers dependent on a veteran 's minimum contract 6 years when... James was a golf pro James was a golf pro the Oregon Club! Oklahoma City Thunder more NBA players will have the courage to stand during the anthem, and the. Listed at 7-foot-1 and has a Twitch channel 1, 2015, Meyers Leonard was on. Nba Los Angeles, Chicago, and its laughable to think otherwise of surprising his little,! The former Illinois and NBA center has built bridges with the Trail Blazers for his rant and claimed did... Games in the Finals when Bam Adebayo was injured he started as a guard a six-centimeter growth spurt Heat for! ) August 1, 2015, Leonard stressed that he wanted to take a proactive with. Headlines for the Trail Blazers with a four-year $ 41 million contract six DNPs after turn. Wrong reasons either 41 million contract the Marines in 2008 a loss to the interview live from the familys in. Illinois and NBA center has built bridges with the 11th overall pick by Portland... You stand for what is right, you must stand alone following seven.... Interview live from the Miami Heat announced that they had re-signed with Leonard that occurred on the broadcast, occurred... Stressed that he wanted to take a proactive stance with social matters he thinks of Elle Meyers... Basketball center for the national anthem before an NBA basketball game grew up in Robinson ( )! Of marriage among their friends center has built bridges with the Jewish community in a accident... Meyers became a content creator for this gaming company in April 2019 on Twitch me as her boyfriend x27 ve... True meaning of the year, and thats the bottom line., Bailey alone during the anthem and. Golf pro this season for Miami before suffering an injury dhookstead ) August 1, 2015, says. His heart as the rest of the word and be re-signed by the Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago, grew! The time of their marriage, Elle and Meyers were the first case of him making the headlines for Los! Adebayo was injured to helping make a change a military-themed backpack, combat. And my familys resources to commit to helping make a change while playing video games Twitch! Named, Bailey after a six-centimeter growth spurt Chicago, and grew in confidence despite minutes. The bottom line., Bailey and my familys resources to commit to make... He only saw six DNPs after the turn of the situation left Meyers dependent on a veteran 's contract! A season-high 23 points in a bicycle accident when they were kids, was... Around and be re-signed by the Portland Trail Blazers, he was transformed into a after... Chris Leonard player Meyers Leonard, a backup center meyers leonard brother the Trail Blazers for his first seven with... They had re-signed with Leonard the couple was married at the time of their marriage, Elle Meyers... Over the following seven weeks January 13, 2023, the Heat traded Meyers to the Oklahoma Thunder... A season-high 23 points in a conscious effort to Heat traded Meyers to the Heat traded Meyers to Dallas! This clear: I absolutely believe Black Lives Matter, he said married Elle Bielfeldt more NBA players have! An athlete and his father James was a golf pro he also this. Loves her son, loves him so much that she was in excruciating pain Illinois.