“How old is she now?”
“Eight months,” Makari said proudly.
“Ah, that’s a fun age. My niece just turned nine months. The adventure stage.”
“The getting into shit stage,” I corrected, making Makari and Kaz both grin.
“She likes to explore. Her little hands are quick and like to grab on everything. Including my beard. Apparently, it’s her favorite toy.”
Kaz nodded. “That doesn’t sound like a complaint.”
“Because it’s not.” Makari glanced at me. “He loves it. That’s their thing, their connection. It’s sweet.”
“Sounds like you all have settled into a good space with co-parenting, but is that all this is? For clarity, would you like to share any details with our viewers?”
“We’re what we are. I’m with Kari and Avi by choice. She’s with me by choice. We’re figuring things out, but make no mistake about it, she’s important to me. We’re no different than any other family aside from the fact that we’re dealing with life with cameras and mics in our faces. The world is watching, which means we don’t get a chance to fucking breathe.”
I kissed Makari on the temple. “Nothing about us was planned, but it happened, we’re accepting our roles in our daughter’s life and with each other. We’re a family.”
Kaz nodded. “The two of you live together?”
I glanced at Makari to let her decide on how to answer and she nodded. “We do. Like he said, we’re a family. Avi deserves to have both of us in her lives. This was our decision so we’re mature enough to provide her with a stable, happy home where she can thrive and grow.”
“I want them both with me. I want to be present in my daughter’s life and give Makari the shared commitment toensure she can continue to be successful with whatever she chooses to do in life.”
She turned to Makari. “A lot of the media outlets alleged that you concealed the pregnancy for financial reasons. Given that you two are now a family unit, which means financial and physical support for not just Avi but you as well, how would you like to respond to those allegations?”
“They’re hurtful and untrue. I kept my pregnancy a secret because I wanted a normal life for my daughter.” She glanced at me and I knew where her mind went. I nodded and she continued. “Omiri’s reputation hasn’t been the best. His thoughts on being a parent prior to finding out about Avi weren’t favorable. I made the decision to raise her on my own. It was completely my decision and what I thought was best at the time. I have my own career. Avi and I were doing just fine. When he found out we shared a daughter, I was adamant about keeping the quiet, peaceful life she and I existed in but I also understood it wasn’t fair to deny him a relationship with his daughter if that’s what he truly wanted. He’s proven that she’s a priority. Thatwe’rea priority. None of this has anything to do with money.”
Kaz turned to me. “And what are your thoughts on the matter?”
“I was very vocal about not wanting kids. I have made public statements about it. When I found out, I was upset that she kept the pregnancy from me but I also didn’t have the right to be. I understand why she made the decision. Even after I made it clear that I wanted to be a part of Avi’s life, Kari made me prove that this wasn’t a temporary thing. From day one, she’s put Avi first. She doesn’t ask me for a damn thing other than to love our daughter the way she deserves to be loved. The world wants to come at her for being a good parent and protecting Avi. That’sthe most insensitive shit ever. She did what she thought was best and I respect her for being a good mother.”
“Makari, you’re a social media strategist who works with several high profile athletes. You’ve recently found yourself on the other side of the chaos. How will this shift in perspective affect you professionally?”
“Living an experience allows for a more realistic perspective. I have a new understanding for what my clients go through, which means I can better navigate how to help them. I’m definitely more effective with how I address their issues.”
“Omiri, how has fatherhood changed you? Being present in your daughter’s life will bring a new dynamic to what your season looks like.”
“It does but not in a bad way. Having Avi and Makari definitely shifts my priorities, but if I’m being honest, they make me more dedicated and focused. I want to be a better man for them. My goal is to be someone they can be proud of.”
“There’s talk about how this new dynamic could potentially impact your performance on the field.”
I laughed arrogantly. “I can understand that, however, everything I do now has more focus and my goals have more purpose. Let’s be real, my reputation was so bad because I was careless with my actions. I didn’t give a damn about the decisions I made because it was only me. There’s more to consider now. I’m not just playing for myself. It’s not just about running up stats. I’m creating a legacy for Kari and our daughter.”
“I like that.” Kaz smiled and nodded before shifting to Makari.
“What I’m hearing is that you and Avianna are Omiri’s motivation. That’s a lot of weight to carry. There are some fans who will be counting on you to ensure he’s in a good headspace.How do you feel about holding him accountable so he doesn’t let the city down?”
I chuckled and Makari cut her eyes at me with a smug grin which had Kaz’s gaze moving between us. “Should I assume holding him accountable is not going to be an issue based on that exchange?”
“Nah, it won’t be. She doesn’t play.”
“He doesn’t need me to hold him accountable. Omiri is the most driven and dedicated player I know. He holds himself to a higher standard than anyone else ever could, with his career and with our family.”
“I love that. You two seem to have a lot of respect for each other.”
“We do.” Makari smiled and nodded.
