Blade tried to sit in the seats with his cousin but there wasn't much room. He chose instead to sit down in the aisle. It was that choice that created what he later proclaimed was the greatest day of his life.
The usher insisted that Blade move out of the aisle or go back to his seat. With no solution in sight and his back still causing him pain, Blade was resigning himself to return to his families seats when Michael Beasley intervened.
After Beasley declared that Blade was with him, Blade was in awe. The usher acquiesced to Beasley’s claim and allowed Blade to join him. Blade quickly moved to the seat offered to him by the freshman. Here he stayed throughout the remainder of the game.
Blade had just obtained a new K-State shirt and asked Beasley and the other K-State players that were sitting with Beasley, James Franklin, Dominique Sutton, and Jamar Samuels, to sign it for him. He also made sure to get their autographs for his brother.
"Blade always looks out for his brother," said Connie.
Why Beasley chose that moment to reach out to a boy that he didn't know is unknown.
"We don't know what made he do it, we will probably never know," said Connie.
What she does know is that this simple act of kindness by someone who both Blade and Connie insist will be a star in the NBA, helped Blade to forget about all his pain for a few short hours.
"You hear so much negativity about athletes. This really restores your faith in them." said Connie.
After the game, Blade rode the thrill of the experience all the way home. He has taken the opportunity to show his family and friends his autographed shirt and now plans to put it away.
"I am going to frame it," he said.
Article comments
1 - dg2015
Blade has told me all about this, he's even in my class!!!! My name is dorian but blade calls me doris In third grade blade didn't hardly ever come to school, in fourth he came more often, and now in fifth grade blade is here almost every single day, just like the rest of us! He deserved micheal beasley's attention, he is a great friend!