While most Americans know LeBron James for his on-the-court skills, those with an interest in wine will also know that the NBA’s four-time MVP is equally adept with a glass in hand. The 33-year-old basketball star is a noted wine connoisseur, to the extent that — according to a recent report shaking up the nation — he even allows his underaged sons to drink wine.
As reported by USA Today, James said after a Los Angeles Lakers practice session on Tuesday that his 14-year-old son LeBron James Jr. and 11-year-old son Bryce drink “whatever dad’s and mom’s having.”
James, a well-known wine lover, was quick to add, “Put it on me, though. Don’t put it on mom.”
LeBron James says his 14 & 11 year old kids have wine with mom and dad 🍷pic.twitter.com/nYUbGEmqN0
— NBA News (@NBANews) October 10, 2018
While the revelation might seem like unconventional parenting this side of the Atlantic, in many European countries, offering adolescents a glass of wine with dinner is commonplace. So much so, that some nations are even considering adding wine education to their school curriculum.
In 2016, the New York Times reported that Italian Senator Dario Stefàno proposed a bill requiring the country’s schools to teach “one hour of wine culture a week to students.” Most incredible of all, he wanted the education to start at age six.
One thing’s for sure, if James’ kids are drinking “whatever dad’s having,” they’re receiving a Harvard-grad-level wine education. Not only a keen taster, LeBron has a famously expensive palate. We venture to guess he’ll even join the ranks of celebrities who own their own wineries someday.