Dwyane Wade’s second child, Zaya Wade, was the victim of some hateful comments after throwing the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game earlier this week.
While Wade is known for his time in Miami with the Heat and is revered in the city, he has his roots in Chicago, which is where he was born and raised. He also spent some time with the Bulls after things got ugly between himself and Heat president Pat Riley.
Fortunately for all involved, they patched things up, allowing Wade a route back to South Beach, where he was able to retire as a Heat player.
Given his deep ties to his home city, Wade’s family is also royalty there. As such, Zaya had the opportunity to throw the first pitch at a recent Cubs game.
You can see it right below:
Zaya Wade threw out the first pitch at the Chicago Cubs game today 🙌
Her father Dwyane is a Chicago native 🏙️
(via @Cubs / IG)pic.twitter.com/HdpTkAgK6g
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 2, 2024
Zaya, born Zion Wade, came out as transgender several years ago, with Dwyane and his wife Gabriel Union throwing their full support.
“She’s the strong one in this family. She’s a hero,” the three-time NBA champion told People in 2021.
“It’s our family’s job to make sure that we listen to her. We listen to the doctors. We ask questions and we formulate our own ideas of how Zaya should be and should be raised in this world and we don’t allow others to do that for us.”
Dwyane Wade Was Caught In The Crosshairs After Zaya’s Pitch
Zaya has been a target for many people since the change and was treated to some proper vitriol on social media following the throw, as was Dwyane.
“Still a man and Dwyane Wade failed as a father,” one fan commented.
“Mentally ill dude with a punk ass dad,” another user said.
“No amount of surgeries can hide them big ass man feet !! Lol probably size 13!! Lol Big hands for a so called woman as well,” said another.
“I bet he’s actually a catcher,” a comment read.
“The hate you have for trans people will never not blow my mind like how does this affect your daily life,” someone said in defense.
“The hate in people’s heart really shows,” another wrote.
Dwyane Wade has not respond to the vile comments, and neither has Zaya.