LaVar Ball’s “damaged goods” comment to son Lonzo Ball in the midst of an argument caught on their Facebook show “Ball in the Family” has led to quite a reaction across NBA world. While LaVar issued a statement through his public relations representative saying the comments were taken out of context, it hasn’t stopped the strong reactions.
TMZ caught up with Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers who is one of the first NBA players to give a comment on the matter. The cameraman that caught up with Rivers first asked him what his reaction would be if his father, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, had called him “damaged goods.”
Rivers: “That’d be messed up, though. I wish them both the best. They’re both talented people, especially Lonzo. I wish nothing but the best for him.”
Cameraman: “He ain’t damaged goods though?”
Rivers: “Nah. He’s a great player. Great player.”
Rivers was particularly complimentary in his comments on the matter while also making a point. Despite offering kind words to both LaVar and Lonzo, particularly the latter, the first sentence from Rivers offers an insight that many would share.
Part of what has led to such a strong reaction to the comments is that many people have gotten into arguments with family members including their fathers and have not had that family member refer to them as damaged goods. Again, regardless of the context, it’s not a good look for LaVar.
The other problem is that in today’s world, context doesn’t matter to some people. What will circulate the internet is the headline of LaVar referring to him as damaged goods and/or a short clip of the comment itself. In all, this will add up to another big hit for LaVar’s public image.
