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Who’s the Better Dad Between Lavar Ball and Deion Sanders? 2021 NBA Champion Weighs In

Published 10/27/2023, 9:33 AM EDT

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In the field of athletics, we frequently see heated rivalry and intense rivalries. But a fascinating and quieter struggle is taking place on the sidelines, a battle of parenthood. LaVar Ball, renowned for his outspoken and sometimes contentious character, has risen to prominence. That is because, in recent years, his unconventional approach to parenting, especially in fostering his boys’ basketball talents.

On the other side, NFL star Deion Sanders is establishing a name for himself as a parent, guiding his two boys, Shedeur and Shilo, to the top of professional football. However, on the Club 520 podcast, a former NBA champion weighed in on this discussion and gave his opinion.

Former NBA champion gives his pick of the better dads

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The former NBA champion Jeff Teague spoke about this on the Club 520 podcast. He said, “Not the better person or player, but the better dad is LaVar. And we are talking about who produced the better-seasoned athlete. For real though, putting out special kids, it’s LaVar, between Dion and him”.

The panelists did not seem to agree with him, as they thought it was Dion Sanders or even Dell Curry.

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However, there is a lack of consensus in the struggle between LaVar Ball and Deion Sanders for the title of best father. Passion, tenacity, and unwavering devotion mark LaVar Ball’s distinct approach to parenthood of his boys’ NBA success. He may have been arrogant and loud-mouthed, but his love for his boys is undeniable. Deion Sanders, with his more muted and concentrated attitude, has begun to leave his mark in the football world as a loving parent.

His transformation from a showy sports hero to a mentor to his boys reveals the depth of his dedication. Their distinct methods – one flashy and vocal, and the other – serious and driven. The opposing personalities represent their distinctive stature in their respective careers. However, how were their parenting methods different?

What was the difference between LaVar’s and Deion’s parenting?

LaVar Ball’s name used to be associated with boldness. He made news by continuously over-hyping his eldest son, Lonzo Ball before the Los Angeles Lakers picked him in 2017. Even the senior Ball taunted fans and analysts by claiming to be a greater basketball player than the famous Michael Jordan. While some found it amusing, others found it annoying and unbelievable.

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An unrelenting dedication defines LaVar Ball’s approach to parenthood and to his boys’ aspirations. One cannot refute his active participation in his boys’ basketball development. LaVar was not just supportive, but also passionate about their skills, from coaching their AAU teams to promoting them in the media.

USA Today via Reuters

NFL star, Deion Sanders is now following in the footsteps of LaVar Ball in his realm. Sanders has been working hard to help his two boys, Shedeur and Shilo, to achieve their NFL goals. LaVar Ball admits that Deion’s method is similar to his own. Through his methods, he has been teaching his boys since their early childhood and has made critical decisions to assist them in flourishing.

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Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for sports parenting. LaVar Ball and Deion Sanders have demonstrated, in their different ways, that love, passion, and dedication to their children’s ambitions can lead to extraordinary results. The label of “better dad” may be subjective, but it is evident that both fathers have played important roles in molding their kids’ professional sports careers.

Watch this Story: Amid Deion Sanders’ Harsh Criticism, Cormani McClain’s Mom Bluntly Advises Son to “Block Out the Noise”

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Written by:

Dhruv Shastry

720Articles

One take at a time

Dhruv is an NBA writer at ES with years of playing experience to name. Despite the ankle injury barring him from playing further, he never lost touch with the sport. He loves the swag and the attitude basketball players possess.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja