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Will Smith Brings Tennis’ Most Controversial Parent To The Big Screen

As I was watching the trailer to the upcoming movie, “King Richard,” I was thinking about modern era famous sports fathers.  The most current is LaVar Ball father to Lonzo,…

Richard, Venus, & Serena Williams

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Serena Williams (R) of the USA celebrates with her father Richard Williams and sister Venus Williams after her Ladies’ Singles final match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland on day twelve of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Julian Finney/Getty Images

As I was watching the trailer to the upcoming movie, "King Richard," I was thinking about modern era famous sports fathers.  The most current is LaVar Ball father to Lonzo, LiAngelo, and the Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball.  Of course there's Earl Woods, late father of Tiger.  And Richard Williams, father of tennis legends Venus and Serena.  What do all three of these men have in common?  They are all African-American men who raised their kids in Southern California.  Their children achieved amazing, and in the case of Serena and Tiger, arguably GOAT-like success.  And all three men were/are constantly criticized for who they are and the methods of teaching/child-rearing they employed.  Judge if you wish, but you cannot argue with their success.  And in the case of Richard Williams, both of his daughters are major champions who are going into the Tennis Hall of Fame.  And he is brought to life on the big screen-brilliantly here-by Will Smith.

The official synopsis reads:  "Witness a father's vision for his children's future with his unconventional methods and his love as he executes a brilliant plan to take his daughters from the streets of Compton to the global stage."  "King Richard" is in theaters November 19th and available on HBO Mac for 31 days from the theatrical release.

Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.