Chicago Bulls great Scottie Pippen announced the passing of his oldest son Antron on Sunday.
Pippen did not disclose the cause of death, but in a heartfelt tribute, he noted that his 33-year-old son suffered from asthma.
“I’m heartbroken to share that yesterday, I said goodbye to my firstborn son Anton. The two of us shared of love of basketball and we had countless conversations about the game.”
Please keep his mom, Karen, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. A kind heart and beautiful soul gone way too soon. I love you, son, rest easy until we meet again. 🙏🏾 (3/3) pic.twitter.com/eYyQ6pcdtx
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) April 19, 2021
Pippen revealed that Antron would have followed in his NBA footsteps, but his son’s asthma prevented him from moving further with his basketball career.
Antron played one season at South Georgia Technical College in 2006-07 and one at Texas A&M International University in 2008-09, averaging 3.3 points and 1.7 assists.
Both schools paid tribute to Pippen’s son.
SGTC tweeted, “The Jets family was saddened to learn of the death of one of our former players, Antron Pippen. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.”
The Jets family was saddened to learn of the death of one of our former players, Antron Pippen. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Antron was a Jet during the 2006-2007 season. #Jetfamily #SGTCJets pic.twitter.com/gAiXCr72z2
— SGTC Jets (@SGTCJets) April 19, 2021
TAMIU also tweeted to send their condolences to the family.
Texas A&M International University Athletics mourns the passing of former Dustdevil student-athlete Antron Pippen. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pippen family during this difficult time. #DustEm🤘 pic.twitter.com/UFKxhVTSIn
— TAMIU Athletics (@TAMIUAthletics) April 19, 2021
Antron was the first of Pippen’s seven children and the only child with ex-wife Karen McCollum.
Pippen wrote, “A kind heart and a beautiful soul gone way too soon. I love you, son, rest easy until we meet again.”
Chicago Bulls great Scottie Pippen tweeted a heartfelt tribute after his oldest son Antron passed away on Sunday.