Larry Fitzgerald Sr. told Randy Moss that he is praying for him, days after sparking a furious backlash by apparently incorrectly claiming that 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 attack Fitzgerald, saying, “This is disgusting.” You have no right to try to make private matters public for the sake of compromise. I don’t think my father talks to you, so check your damn 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 brief statement to DailyMail.Com about the outrage, saying: “I have no comment other than knowing Randy, I 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, stepped away from his NFL television duties to focus on his health.
Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. publicly stated earlier this week that Moss is battling liver cancer.
Thaddeus Moss, Randy’s son, angrily criticized Fitzgerald Sr. and later denied the cancer allegations.
His website bio says he has been sports editor and columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, “one of the oldest and strongest African-American news magazines in the Midwest,” for 35 years.
But, without official confirmation, Fitzgerald Sr.’s post caused a storm Tuesday night, with many NFL fans pointing out that Moss had kept details of his health battle private.
“Brett, we really appreciate the support,” Thaddeus said in response to Favre’s reaction to claims that Moss has cancer. ‘This is not true. My father will address the world when he is ready.
Even Fitzgerald Sr.’s own son urged him not to “speculate” about Moss’s health.
“Dad, I think it’s best to respect his privacy in this.” Larry Jr. wrote. ‘If you feel ready to share more about your health, you will. In the meantime, let’s focus on sending him positive energy, prayers and support instead of speculating.”
Moss stepped away from his duties with Sunday NFL Countdown after first raising concern two weeks ago when his eyes appeared to have a yellow tint during his regular weekly appearance.
And last week, Moss began the show by explaining that she was battling a health issue and would be wearing sunglasses while hosting the show.
‘I just want viewers to know that my wife and I, my family and I, are fighting something internal. “I have great doctors around me,” Moss said.
Moss recently wore sunglasses on NFL Countdown due to unknown ‘internal’ health issue
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 see me with these Michigan glasses I’m wearing, it’s not disrespectful.
And in a video posted to Instagram, Moss said: ‘During the holiday week, your son has been fighting something internal.
‘I just ask all prayer warriors to put your blessings on me and my family in these difficult times.
‘Last week people asked me about my eyes. If you watch them on Sunday NFL Countdown (puts on glasses), Adam Schefter calls them the Michigan Countdown glasses they sent from Ohio last night.
‘Your son is going to get through this. I have a great team of doctors and a great family around me.
“Get your checkups, get your blood tests done and we’ll figure it out.”
Moss, 47, is widely considered one of the best wide receivers 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.