Larry Fitzgerald Sr. breaks silence after being accused of leaking Randy Moss cancer news
Larry Fitzgerald Sr. Randy Moss has told Randy Moss he is praying for him, days after he sparked an angry backlash by apparently falsely claiming the Hall of Famer has liver cancer.
Fitzgerald Sr., the father of former Cardinals star Larry Jr., appeared to break the news Tuesday when he said 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 challenge Fitzgerald, saying, “This is disgusting. You have no right to try to make private matters public for the sake of involvement. I don’t think my dad is talking to you, so check your damn sources.”
And Thaddeus later said his father doesn’t have liver cancer in response to Brett Favre sending him his best wishes.
Now Fitzgerald Sr. issued a brief 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 Twin Cities sports media giant” who works as a “writer, producer, talk show host and commentator.”
Randy Moss, 47, has stepped back 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 lashed out at Fitzgerald Sr. and later denied cancer claims
His biography on his website states that he has been a sports editor and columnist for 35 years at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, “one of the Midwest’s strongest and oldest African-American news magazines.”
But without official confirmation, Fitzgerald Sr.’s post caused a firestorm Tuesday night, with many NFL fans pointing out that Moss had kept the details of his health battle private.
“Brett, the support is really appreciated,” Thaddeus said in response to Favre’s response to claims that Moss has cancer. ‘This is not true. My father will speak to the world when he is ready.”
Even Fitzgerald Sr.’s own son urged him not to “speculate” about Moss’ health.
“Dad, I think it’s best to respect his privacy in this,” Larry Jr. wrote. ‘If he feels ready to share more about his health, he will. In the meantime, let’s focus on sending positive energy, prayers and support, rather than speculating.”
Moss has stepped back from his duties on Sunday NFL Countdown after first causing concern two weeks ago when his eyes appeared to have a yellow tint during his regular weekly appearance.
And last week, Moss started the show by explaining that he was dealing with a health issue and would be wearing sunglasses while presenting the show.
“I just want the viewers to know that me and my wife, me and my family, we’re struggling with something internally. I have some great doctors around me,” Moss said.
Moss recently wore sunglasses during NFL Countdown due to his unknown “internal” health problem
Larry Fitzgerald Jr. even told his father to respect the Moss family’s privacy
‘I couldn’t miss the show, I wanted to be here with you, I feel great. But if you guys see me with these Michigan turnover glasses I’m wearing, it’s not disrespectful.”
And in a video on Instagram, Moss said: “During the week of the holidays, your boy has been battling something internal.
“I only ask all prayer warriors to extend their blessings to me and my family during these difficult times.
‘Last week people asked about my eyes. If you see these on Sunday NFL Countdown (put on glasses), Adam Schefter calls them the Michigan turnover glasses they shipped from Ohio last night.
“Your boy will get through this. I have a great team of doctors and a wonderful family around me.
“You all do your checkups, get your blood work done, and we work through it.”
Moss, 47, is widely considered one of the best tight ends in NFL history.
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 total of 23. He has worked for ESPN since 2016.