They were scary moments for Sonya and the Curry family to have experienced.
Sonya Curry, the mother of NBA superstar Stephen Curry, has opened up about the challenges of being in the stands during her son’s games, particularly when facing the intense and often harsh jeers from opposing fans.
In a revealing episode of the Raising Fame podcast, Sonya discussed the emotional toll these experiences can take, not just on the players but on their families as well.
As the mother of one of the most famous athletes in the world, Sonya has become accustomed to the taunts and derogatory remarks that come with the territory. However, she admits that there are moments when the “nastiness” from the crowd becomes too much to bear.
“The worst is in the stands when people are yelling like just, derogatory things, against your kids,” she said. “To a certain point, you go, ‘They’re just… let it go.’ But then they get really, really nasty, and then they get right behind you.”
Apr 16, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) sits on the bench during action against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter during a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at the Golden 1 Center.
© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
One particular incident that stood out for Sonya involved Stephen Curry’s grandmother, Candy Adams. During a game in Cleveland, fans began hurling insults at Steph, knowing full well that his grandmother was sitting nearby.
Unlike Sonya, who has learned to keep her composure, Candy was not one to hold her tongue.
“My mom… this game in Cleveland, and then they were saying the same, knew that she was his grandmother, and was just ripping him like… and my mom does not know to hold her tongue, and the security people had to come up because she will fight you. I’m not even joking, she will fight.”
Jul 20, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry and wife Ayesha Curry arrive at the Red Carpet for the 2022 ESPY at Dolby Theater.
© Gary A. Vasquez–USA TODAY Sports
The Curry family has faced numerous instances of fan hostility, both at home and on the road. In one particularly aggressive episode, during the 2019 NBA Finals in Toronto, Sonya was targeted by Raptors fans who shouted profanities at her.
Despite the intense pressure, she courageously confronted the crowd, showing that even the strongest individuals have their limits.
“At some point, you hold it together, you hold it together, and then you lose it,” Sonya admitted. “I mean, I’ve lost it several times, and I’ve gotten ridiculed for losing it. And I’m like, but you’re not sitting in my seat, and you’re not hearing. And that’s your 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦. Whatever they are to everyone else… it’s still your 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦.”
The experiences shared by Sonya Curry highlight the emotional challenges that come with the family of a high-profile athlete. While Stephen Curry handles the taunts with grace and class, the toll it takes on his family is a reminder that behind every sports star is a support system that also feels the impact of public scrutiny.
