Scottie Pippen had the immense pain of losing his eldest son, Antron, 33, last Sunday.
The former Chicago Bulls star, six-time NBA champion (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998), revealed the news Monday through three messages posted on his Twitter account.
"I'm heartbroken to share that yesterday I said goodbye to my oldest son Antron," wrote Pippen, 55, appending photos of him and his son over the years to his few words. . The former winger did not indicate the cause of death but still clarified that Antron suffered from asthma. “We both shared a love for basketball and we had countless conversations about the game. Antron suffered from chronic asthma and if he hadn't had it I really believe he would have integrated the NBA. He never let this pathology affect his morale. Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I'm so proud of the man he has become. ”
I'm heartbroken to share that yesterday, I said goodbye to my firstborn son Antron.
The two of us shared a love for basketball and we had countless conversations about the game.
(1/3) pic.twitter.com/Zt3wo8wpcg
- Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) April 19, 2021
Antron suffered from chronic asthma and if he hadn't had it, I truly believe he would've made it to the NBA.
He never let that get him down, though — Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I am so proud of the man that he became.
(2/3) pic.twitter.com/kJOWsvWiYQ
- Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) April 19, 2021
Please keep his mom, Karen, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
A kind heart and beautiful soul gone way too soon.
I love you, son, rest easy until we meet again.
(3/3) pic.twitter.com/eYyQ6pcdtx
- Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) April 19, 2021
Despite this handicap, Antron had become an excellent basketball player, cherishing the dream of one day becoming a professional player.
He had played three games in the 2008-09 season for the University of Texas A & M-International before stepping away from the courts and living a life away from the baskets.
"A kind heart and a beautiful soul are gone too soon," wrote her distraught father.
"I love you, my son, be quiet until we meet again."
Scottie Pippen, who had eight children, had lost his daughter, Tyler, in 1994, who died nine days after her birth.
His son Scottie Pippen Jr at the future NBA Draft
Another of his sons is following in his footsteps under the baskets.
Almost twenty years after the retirement of his illustrious father, Scotty Pippen Jr (20) shines in the halls of the NCAA and the prestigious college championship.
On April 10, he announced that he would be running for the NBA Draft, the big purse for players from North American franchises.
✨ pic.twitter.com/AwDQr6UH0s
- Scotty Pippen Jr (@spippenjr) April 10, 2021
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