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“Bald-Headed Son of a B*tch!”: Ex-Suns Star Recounts Mother’s ‘Crazy’ Encounter With Upset Ref

Published 03/09/2024, 11:16 AM EST

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Professional basketball is a fast-paced industry where emotions may be high both on and off the court. But it’s not usually the coaches or players that steal the show with their ferocious personalities. Occasionally, the most memorable methods are made by the ardent fans in the stands expressing their presence. For former NBA player and ex-Suns star, Rex Chapman, whose mother’s outrageous antics during his games have become legendary, this is especially true.

From the peaks of a flourishing basketball performance to the deepest of addiction and healing, Chapman’s direction is illustrated by only one factor: his mother’s constant commitment. Her unalterable love for her son’s accomplishments had no boundaries. “It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me,” Chapman’s newly published memoir, analyzes the major impact that his mother had on his life, both on and off the court.

Ex-Suns star’s mother’s resolute support

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Throughout Chapman’s career, his mother’s sight in the stands became as synonymous with the game as the ball itself. Referees, coaches, and players were frequently drawn to her animated comments and enthusiastic chants. In one especially memorable episode, Chapman describes how his mother lost control in the heat of the situation and swore at a bald referee, shocking both him and the official.

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The 56-year-old icon, Rex Chapman, shared his thoughts in his book, “It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me: A Memoir”, where he stated, “My mom might play peacemaker at home, but when she is at my games, she is for sure the craziest person in the gym. She sits in the bleachers with her girlfriends, smoking cigarettes and giving the refs all kinds of hell. One time I am jogging off the court at halftime, and I look up to see her leaning over a railing to get as close to the ref as possible. “Put on your f*cking glasses, you bald-headed son of a b*tch!” she shouts. The ref shakes his head at me and says, “Your mom…”.

Chapman recognizes his mother’s love and support, even if his mother’s tantrums occasionally cause him discomfort. She might have been thought of by some as the “craziest person in the gym,” but there was no denying her steadfast devotion and ardent support for her son’s accomplishment. In addition to her impact on his play on the court, Chapman attributes her perseverance and drive to giving him the willpower to face obstacles in life.

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Family: The roots of healing

In the book, Chapman opens up about his battles with addiction and the crucial part his family played in his road to recovery. By sharing details of his background, Chapman shows his appreciation for the aid of his ex-wife and her sister, who were crucial in assisting him in kicking his opiate addiction. The ex-Suns star recognizes the great commitment his family made to support him throughout his lowest points as he muses on the emotional cost of writing about his prior experiences.

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Chapman discussed frankly his mixed emotions over the celebration of his mistakes during a book launch event.It’s pretty terrifying,” Chapman stated. Despite his misgivings, Chapman’s bravery in telling his tale offers hope to those facing comparable difficulties. Chapman takes comfort in the idea that he is not alone on his path to atonement as he sorts through the complexity of his history.

Continue Reading: Potentially Killing His Second Chance at Love, Rex Chapman Shows ‘Mercy’ for One Reason

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Written by:

Arya Patil

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Arya is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. She skillfully combines her academic acumen with a passion for the game that she developed over years of watching the ups and downs of the NBA. Arya is a seasoned journalist who provides fans with a detailed look at the league's inner workings.
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Edited by:

Caroline Joseph