Larry Fitzgerald Sr. has told Randy Moss he is praying for him, days after sparking a furious backlash by seemingly incorrectly claiming the Hall of Famer has liver cancer.
Fitzgerald Sr., the father of former Cardinals star Larry Jr., appeared to break the news on Tuesday when he said that Moss – who recently announced a ‘personal health challenge’ without providing further details – was battling cancer.
Thaddeus Moss – Randy’s son – quickly took to social media to hit out at Fitzgerald, saying: ‘This is disgusting. You have no right to try to make private matters public for the sake of engagement. I do not believe my father talks to you, so check your f***ing sources.’
And Thaddeus later said that his father does not have liver cancer in response to Brett Favre sending him his best wishes.
Now, Fitzgerald Sr. has issued a short statement to DailyMail.Com about the outrage, saying: ‘I have no comment other than I know Randy, love Randy and I’m praying for Randy.’
Fitzgerald Sr. claims to be ‘a giant of Twin Cities sports media’ who works as a ‘writer, producer, talk show host and commentator’.
Randy Moss, 47, has stepped away from NFL television duties to focus on his health
Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. publicly claimed earlier this week that Moss is battling liver cancer
Thaddeus Moss, Randy’s son, angrily hit out at Fitzgerald Sr. and later denied cancer claims
His website bio says he has been the sports editor and columnist with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, ‘one of the Midwest’s strongest and oldest African American news journals,’ for 35 years.
But, with no official confirmation, Fitzgerald Sr.’s post caused a storm on Tuesday night, with many NFL fans pointing out that Moss had kept details of his health battle private.
‘Brett, the support is appreciated, truly,’ Thaddeus said in response to Favre reacting to the claims Moss has cancer. ‘This is not true. My father will address the world when he is ready to.’
Even Fitzgerald Sr.’s own son urged him not to ‘speculate’ on Moss’ health.
‘Dad, I think it’s best to respect his privacy on this,’ Larry Jr. wrote. ‘If he feels ready to share more about his health, he will. In the meantime, let’s focus on sending him positive energy, prayers, and support rather than speculating.’
Moss has stepped back from his duties with Sunday NFL Countdown after first sparking concern two weeks ago when his eyes appeared to have a yellow tinge during his regular weekly appearance.
And last week, Moss started the show by explaining he was battling a health condition and that he would be wearing sunglasses while presenting the show.
‘I just want to let the viewers know that me and my wife, me and my family, we are battling something internally. I have some great doctors around me,’ Moss said.
Moss recently wore sunglasses on NFL Countdown due to his unknown ‘internal’ health issue
Larry Fitzgerald Jr. even told his father to respect the privacy of the Moss family
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‘I couldn’t miss the show, I wanted to be here with you guys, I feel great. But if y’all see me with these Michigan turnover glasses that I have on, it’s not being disrespectful.’
And in a video posted on Instagram, Moss said: ‘Throughout the week of the holidays, your boy has been battling something internal.
‘I just ask for all the prayer warriors to put their blessings on me and my family in these hard times.
‘People were asking about my eyes last week. If you see these on in Sunday NFL Countdown (puts on glasses) Adam Schefter calls them the Michigan turnover glasses that they sent from Ohio last night.
‘Your boy is going to get through it. I got a great team of doctors, and I got a great family around me.
‘Y’all do your checkups, get your bloodwork done, and we’ll work through it.’
Moss, 47, is widely considered as one of the finest tight ends in the history of the NFL.
He is best known for his time with the Vikings but also played for the Raiders, Patriots, Titans and 49ers.
He holds the NFL record for touchdowns in a season, with a tally of 23. He has worked for ESPN since 2016.
