Anthony McClelland is the alleged biological father of LeBron James, the legendary American basketball player. McClelland, an ex-convict, has an estranged relationship with his son because he has spent much of his life behind bars. While he has reportedly tried to get to know James, he has been unsuccessful.
Summary of Anthony McClelland’s Biography
- Full name: Anthony McClelland
- Gender: Male
- Ethnicity: African America
- Nationality: American
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Religion: Christianity
- Marital Status: Single
- Anthony McClelland’s Children: Aaron Gamble and Lebron James
- Famous for: Being the father of Lebron James
Anthony McClelland’s Age
Everything about Anthony McClelland is a mystery, including his age. Despite the fact that he is thought to be the biological father of one of the greatest sports stars of all time, his birthdate is unknown. His family history has also not been made public. In reality, according to some accounts, Roland Bivens, and not Anthony McClelland, is his real name.
Many people recognize him as Anthony McClelland though as there is currently no evidence to support the claim that he is Roland Bivens. McClelland is of African-American descent and is most likely a native of Ohio, though rumors suggest that he moved after committing a crime in order to avoid prosecution.
It is uncertain if Anthony McClelland had any education while growing up as that information has also eluded the public. However, he played basketball on the street as a teenager. He was quite good at it, and this is possibly where LeBron picked up his talents from. Even Sports Illustrated seems to think that way, as they have described McClelland as a “street baller” and the apparent source of LeBron James’ athleticism.
He Had a Casual Affair with LeBron James’ Mother, Gloria, in the Early 80s
Anthony McClelland was never married to LeBron’s mother, Gloria Marie James. They were rather in a short relationship. Multiple sources described their affair as a casual one between intimate partners. The two are said to have met each other sometime in the early 80s and had a brief fling.
Although they later went their separate ways, the then-16-year-old Gloria would later discover that she was pregnant and was sure that McClelland would be the father of the child. It is undetermined if McClelland was made aware of the pregnancy or not, but the most important fact is that he later abandoned Gloria and her unborn child and totally absconded from the city.
At the time of the pregnancy, Gloria James was in her sophomore year of school but she made a decision to keep the baby. She gave birth to her son on December 30, 1984. She then relied heavily on the help of her mother and other family members to care for the child but it wasn’t easy and they lived in poverty.
What Happened to LeBron James’s Dad?
LeBron James’s dad was absent in his son’s life because he was arrested on multiple occasions for arson and theft. Anthony McClelland missed the entire childhood life of his son due to the kind of life he had back then. He was always on the wrong side of the law and was reported to be a constant visitor to the jail. He carried on with his careless lifestyle while Gloria James was busy working to provide a comfortable life for her son
Anthony McClelland allegedly committed at least five robberies and several arsons before being apprehended. In addition, he was detained for theft once again on November 12, 2002, as his son LeBron was getting ready for his final year of high school. As a result, he was not there in his son’s life during his formative years due to his history of crime, arrests, and incarceration.
Does LeBron James have a relationship with his biological father?
LeBron James does not have a relationship with his father, Anthony McClelland. This doesn’t come as a surprise given the surrounding circumstances. His father was not there for him during his developing years. Those were the periods when he needed him the most. He felt basically abandoned by his father at such a young age and it has been hard to get over those negative feelings.
LeBron James was already a national basketball star in high school in 2002 when his father retraced his steps and made an effort to reconnect with him. He however declined to visit his father as a result of the obvious conclusion that he (Anthony) only wanted to be there for the good times.
LeBron James’ decision to stay away from his father was also impacted by the criminal record that hung over his father’s head. The young man wanted to avoid the scandal because he was still launching his career in 2002. This would have somehow kickstarted his pro career with a negative vibe.
Despite not having a smooth relationship, LeBron James has revealed that the absence of his father in his life helped him become the man he is. He decided to channel the negative energy he grew up with into something strong.
Does Anthony McClelland Have Other Children?
Anthony McClelland does have other children asides from LeBron James. He had a relationship with another woman, who he again left after she got pregnant. The pregnancy led to the birth of a son named Aaron McClelland Gamble.
The similarities between Aaron’s and LeBron’s stories extend beyond the fact that their father absconded after their mother became pregnant. It includes the fact that both men were born in the 1980s, and also that the McClelland boys apparently resemble their father greatly.
No one would dispute that the two are brothers because of how identical they look. In fact, despite having separate moms, some people could mistake them for twins. Aaron and his father don’t have a relationship in the same way that Anthony and LeBron don’t. Also, the McClelland brothers have maintained their lives away from each other.
Even though they are all blood relatives, they do not see one another as family. According to some reports, Aaron reportedly tried to contact LeBron, but the NBA player never responded. King James allegedly ignored Aaron’s request for assistance after he (Aaron) lost his mother to cancer.
Anthony McClelland’s Height
Anthony McClelland’s height is reported to be around 6 feet 7 inches. This is obviously where his son LeBron James got his physique from. The basketball star was 6 feet 2 inches tall when he entered high school. He would later grow to be 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) tall.
FAQs
Who is Lebron James’ Real Father?
LeBron James’ real father is Anthony McClelland, an American ex-convict who played no part in raising his son.
Who are Anthony McClelland’s Children?
Anthony McClelland’s children are LeBron James and Aaron McClelland Gamble. He has no relationship with either child, as he played no role in raising them.
Is Anthony McClelland Still Alive? Where is he Now?
Anthony McClelland is believed to be alive. He is believed to reside in Ohio, where he lives a quiet life.
Anthony McClelland’s Net Worth
Anthony McClelland’s net worth is unknown. Due to his extensive criminal record, it is not believed that he would have amassed any fortune worth reporting.