You’d think a young and successful athlete having a baby with his young and successful athlete wife would be good news. But former Duke star Shelden Williams and wife Candace Parker are finding that the world has changed. He would have gotten less negative reaction if he’d knocked up a basketball groupie and left her to fend for herself as he went off on an NBA road trip:
Parker probably figured the news would be non-controversial, given that the fresh-faced Los Angeles Sparks forward and Olympic gold medalist is happily married to Sacramento Kings forward Shelden Williams. Both earn more than enough to support a family: Parker alone reaps millions on and off the court as one of the most celebrated women athletes in the world.
But Parker’s pregnancy was not greeted with the same approval and tolerance that many of today’s child-bearing sexagenarians and single mothers by choice enjoy when they form their families. Instead, Parker was blasted by fans and pundits for becoming a mother at age 22.
How selfish of these two, starting a family after getting married. What were they thinking? Just wait about 17 years, though. That kid will be the nation’s number 1 recruit whether it’s a girl or a boy.
I just say, congratulations Shelden and Candace. Have fun as parents. It’s a hoot.
