In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the league’s MVP, Stephen Curry had a game-high 34 points which included an exciting halftime buzzer beater. After the game, his adorable toddler Riley accompanied Curry to the podium during his post game press conference. She told her daddy “be quiet” while on the mic, and played peek a boo under the press table.
It’s rare we get to see these personal moments with athletes, especially since most try to shield and protect their children from the drama of social media. But this morning the world collectively sighed and thought “how sweet?!” as we watched and listened to the highlights. What a great dad and tender moment for us all to witness.
A picture truly is worth a thousand words pic.twitter.com/6tVYoWG85I
— Golden St. Warriors (@warriors) May 20, 2015
But unfortunately today there are those curmudgeons who felt that sweet little Riley was impeding their job and their deadlines, and even tweeted that children should no longer be allowed at press conferences.
My man @WindhorstESPN taking the most unpopular position ever, saying NBA might need to ban kids from podium so reporters can ask questions — Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 20, 2015
REALLY?! Two whole members of the media were actually upset about this perfect viral story that was handed to them on a silver platter? I can’t even fathom such ridiculousness, and the debate that ensued was even more lame. No Riley isn’t a ‘menace’ as Ric Bucher sarcastically tweeted, nor is this even a topic that needs to be discussed. Plenty of players in the past, who rarely see their kids during the season have brought their children to the podium. No media member is entitled enough to question them.
Brian T. Smith asked Curry about the backlash after his Game 1 press conference, here’s the transcript of Curry’s response.
In which Steph Curry tries to understand why people would criticize a father for bringing his daughter on stage. pic.twitter.com/kOE6uhTpfO
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) May 20, 2015
In a world where professional athletes are bombarded by the media on social media, and every opinion show on the radio and television, it’s nice to see the real side of a star. One that isn’t a canned response like, “I just went out there and played hard.” So can we all just relax and stop this phony outrage? And if you as a journalist were truly peeved, think before you react next time…I promise it’s not that serious. Riley Curry is perfectly adorable, and I hope we see an encore performance after Game 2.
I think this tweet sums up how the majority of the world feels today.
If you had an issue with Steph Curry’s daughter last night, you are anti-cuteness.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) May 20, 2015
Looking for more sports and parenting content? Check out the 2 Minute Drills with Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem!
That’s ridiculous! That little girl was so adorable. Journalists like the complainers are all about their own agendas.
This is crazy! Everyone wants the “real side”of people and well, that is the real side of being a sports star and a parent! I am proud of him for having her there!
Agree, agree, agree. We have enough in the media about violence in the NFL and family abuse. So why in heavens sake would we not praise and be happy about what we see here.
A dad being a dad. A kid having fun. Yep those that tweeted the negative just suck and need to enjoy life again.
xoxoxo
I love that we got to see him being a typical dad, trying to have a conversation, while his toddler interrupted him and took over. I can only imagine how much time he spends away from his family. Looks like a dad who just wants to make the most of his time with his beautiful, hilarious daughter. If people can’t see this, and they only see their looming deadline, that’s just truly S.A.D.
Right? Curmudgeons I swear! Sometimes I think the sports media invent things to create debate about just so they have something to fill their air time.
Wow that is crazy and I think that last tweet totally sums it up perfectly as you have to be against cute if you saw anything wrong with this!
Preach – She is a cutie and those that aren’t with it..are HATERS!
I’d much rather see the “real” side of these stars and celebrities. Bring on the kids, dogs and mothers!
Completely agree with you all! A Dad’s a Dad no matter what he does for a living. To see Curry having the same issues controlling his child that any other father would have reminds us that athletes are just people. The fact that she is so darn cute just makes it all the more enjoyable to watch…!
I have only one thing to say to those reporters: I have very little personal interest in most basketball coverage (football’s a different thing!) and would not have watched that interview if it weren’t for her cuteness. Now, whoever had the insight to latch onto how adorable she was and to highlight a sweet moment is now benefitting from higher ratings/clicks as a result. Kudos to the reporters who kept it positive!
I cannot believe that someone would be upset about that..
actually. I take that back. I feel like sport media has really taken a turn, because from forcing an athlete who doesn’t want to talk to the media, to criticizing someone for being adorable. I mean, Curry still sat up there + answered the questions. I know at least fifty aspiring sports journalists who would have no problem staying a little later if it’s too much for the curmudgeons to deal with.
additionally, I think the word curmudgeon is vastly under utilized.
I agree, let’s resurrect curmudgeon. I’m watch Grumpy Old Men again and find some more words for us!
It was cute, people need to get a life.
She is pretty cute. She’s keeping things interesting. Basketball is boring. 😉
blasphemy, basketball is fun!
I saw this story last week and thought it was adorable and then when the press complaints came out I just thought they had the dumbest complaints ever! As a PR person this was gold material and it is unfortunate the curmudgeons couldn’t see that!
Ha! You like that word don’t you, curmudgeons?!
People are idiots….!!! Seriously.
I love that he brought his daughter!
Sheesh – I’m certainly not anti-cuteness! This is adorable and REAL. I know that sports are important and this is his career, but.. people need to lighten up. He wasn’t reporting on Syria. He was giving an interview about something pleasurable!
Cute video – glad you shared it.
I think this is so disgusting. I sometimes feel like we live in a very black-and-white world filled with pro-kid people and anti-kid people. I am so sick of hearing people complain about kids at restaurants and kids shouldn’t be allowed here, or there, or wherever. Look, the public is the public. If you want to guarantee you will not be around the future of our country, stay home, or go to a 21-over bar, or go f yourself in your alone, anti-cute, anti-kid world. I mean really. And same goes to the pro-kid people. If someone doesn’t want kids at their wedding, respect it. If your bff doesn’t want to have children, respect it. Show a little common sense, people. Life is not black and white.