Days before his biggest game of the season, Amar’e Stoudemire had to deal with a family issue that is currently making headlines across the country. Stoudemire, a star forward for the Phoenix Suns, watched his mother, Carrie Mae Stoudemire, get arrested in Scottsdale, Ariz., on May 15.
According to a police report, Carrie was arrested for driving erratically and refusing to take a sobriety test. Amar’e eventually showed up at the scene and Carrie began kicking the patrol car and told her son to get a lawyer. Carrie, who has a history of alcohol abuse, was booked for speeding, failure to drive in a single lane and operating a vehicle without a court-ordered breathalyzer interlock device.
Stoudemire isn’t the only pro athlete who has dealt with an uncomfortable moment with his mother that was publicized by the media. Here are the most embarrassing moments for pro athletes and their mothers. –a.r.
LeBron James’ Mother Arrested – In 2006, LeBron James’ mother, Gloria James, was arrested and charged with drunk driving at a public housing complex in Akron, Ohio. Gloria resisted arrest several times and kicked out the side window while in the back of the patrol car.
LeBron James’ Mother Jumps in Paul Pierce’s Face – During a game against the Boston Celtics in 2008, LeBron James was fouled hard by Celtics player Paul Pierce who wrestled LeBron into the crowd behind the basketball goal. Gloria got into Pierce’s face for fouling her son hard and LeBron scolded his mother for interfering.
Dez Bryant is Asked if His Mother is a Prostitute – While interviewing Dez Bryant before the 2010 NFL draft, Jeff Ireland of the Miami Dolphins asked Dez Bryant if his mother had ever been a prostitute. Although Ireland later apologized to Bryant once the story broke in the media, NFL commissioner Roger Godell should have fined or suspended Ireland for asking such an insensitive question.
Marc Cuban tells Kenyon Martin’s Mother That Her Son is a Thug – During the 2009 NBA Playoffs, Dallas Mavericks owner Marc Cuban was standing near Kenyon Martin’s mother when Dallas fans yelled that the Denver Nuggets were thugs. Cuban looked at Martin’s mother and said, “That includes your son too.” Cuban also apologized to Martin and his mother. Although the Mavs owner has faced fines for criticizing NBA game officials, he was not punished by the league for blatantly disrespecting a player’s mother.
