Thanksgiving is all about being around family and friends but sadly the day took a tragic turn for two of the most likeable players in the NBA. Channing Frye of the Cavs lost his father, Thomas and Zach Randolph of the Grizzlies lost his mother, Mae. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both players and their families.
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The loss for Frye is even more painful considering he lost his mother, Karen Mulzac-Frye, just one month ago to cancer. He missed a couple game after losing his mom and the Cavs gave him an indefinite leave of absence with the loss of his father. The team released the following statement on Friday.
Channing Frye’s father, Thomas Frye, passed away yesterday. The entire Cavs organization offers their condolences and support to Channing and his family during this very difficult time.
Status: Channing has been excused from the team and will be OUT tonight for the Cavs’ home game in Cleveland vs. the Dallas Mavericks. His future game status will be updated as appropriate.
Frye also posted a message on his Instagram, telling everyone they better make sure they show love to their family members.
As for Randolph, he lost his mother on Thanksgiving as well and it was no secret how much of an impact she had on Zach’s life. He was not shy about admitting he was a big mama’s boy.
“Oh yeah. Damn right,” he once told The Commercial Appeal. “Everybody who knows me will tell you that. All I had was my mama. I never knew my dad. My mom was really protective. She took care of her babies the best she could. We didn’t have a lot, but she kept her house clean and she kept food on the table for us. The house might not look good on the outside but you go on the inside and that joint be laid out. Man, I love my mother.”
He will be excused from the Grizzlies next game and they gave him an indefinite leave of absence as well. They also released the following statement on Friday.
The Memphis Grizzlies family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Zach Randolph’s beloved mother, Mae Randolph. Zach and his mother had an inseparable bond. Mae was so fiercely proud of her son, his accomplishments and his truly special place in the hearts of Memphians and the Grizzlies family. I will never forget the unbridled joy she took in attending our games, cheering as all mothers do, and proudly wearing Zach’s jersey in support of her son. Mae raised Zach to be a man with an enormous heart, who is deeply committed to enriching the lives of those in need, and for that legacy we are forever indebted to her. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with Zach and his family during this difficult time.”
I’m sure both Channing and Zach will feel the love and support from their teammates, coaches and other people within their organizations besides getting support from friends and family.
Our hearts and prayers go out to both players as well as their families.
H/t Complex
