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Washington Wizards: John Wall’s Powerful Letter to His Dad

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC -  JANUARY 12: (Editors Note: Image has been converted to black and white) John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 12, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  JANUARY 12: (Editors Note: Image has been converted to black and white) John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 12, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC –  JANUARY 12: (Editors Note: Image has been converted to black and white) John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 12, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC –  JANUARY 12: (Editors Note: Image has been converted to black and white) John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 12, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Washington Wizards John Wall penned a powerful open letter to his father. It will be featured in ESPN The Magazine’s State of the Black Athlete issue, which comes out February 5.

The Washington Wizards John Wall penned a powerful open letter to his father. It will be featured in ESPN The Magazine’s State of the Black Athlete issue, which comes out February 5. It’s also available now online—recommended reading.

Most of Wall’s wishes came true, but his one wish of his father seeing him play in the NBA.

In the heartfelt letter, the reader learns that Wall’s dad went to prison when the guard was only two years old. However, his mother would still take Wall and the family for visits.

What’s truly touching is that although Mr. Wall, Sr. was in prison, his mind saw beyond those walls. He saw a future brighter for his son, than Wall envisioned for himself.

"“Our discussions were never about where you came from, but the places you wanted me to go. Looking back, there you were, an inmate locked away with not much of a future. But that didn’t keep you from encouraging me, a young boy, to get an education and to go to college.”"

When Wall turned nine his father was released because he had terminal liver cancer. The All-Star guard didn’t know of the illness at the time. The family would spend a weekend at a cabin in North Carolina, which the guard called “the best day of his young life”.

"“We had no clue that the time we spent playing in the water would lead to water getting into your wound, causing you to hemorrhage. That horrific smell from all that bleeding still sticks with me.”"

Wall, Sr. would die a few days later. His passing caused Wall to rebel in school and also when his basketball coaches tried to discipline him. Living up to his name “Crazy J”.

However, Wall’s life began to turn around and he had a network of support behind him, with his mother leading the charge. He would become the best high school basketball player in the country.

He lived up to his father’s wish to take care of his family, because that’s the “Wall way”.

Wall was the first to go to college, and his sister would follow behind, and go even further earning her master’s degree.

When Wall becomes a dad, he will share his father’s story and push his children as his father pushed him.

Wall’s own story shows the strength of his spirit. For someone who at one point felt like he had no direction in life, it’s fitting that he grew up to be a point guard. One of the best in the NBA.

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