Charles Barkley petitioned on his behalf. NBA veteran Tony Snellasked the team to sign Snell by Friday so he would be covered by a medical plan to help care for his two sons, who have been diagnosed with autism.
The Hall of Famer brought up the issue on Thursday’s “NBA on TNT” and wanted to share Snell’s message.
Charles Barkley before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at Caseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“I hope — the NBA has been great for all of us sitting here — I hope some of you sign Tony and his two autistic kids grow up great. I hope that you will achieve medical care. “
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Snell recently revealed to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer that his desire to return to the NBA was motivated by the need to serve 10 years in the league, which would allow him to qualify for the Players Association’s premium medical plan upon retirement. You will be eligible.
“This is something I really need, not just for me, but for my wife and kids,” Snell said of his two sons, who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Tony Snell aims to return to NBA for ‘greater purpose’: ‘It’s about my boys’
Snell, who plays for the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League team Sports Illustrated reports that he must be signed to the active roster by Friday to be eligible.
Tony Snell of the Maine Celtics shoots a free throw against the Cleveland Charge at the Portland Expo Center on February 11, 2023 in Portland, Maine. (China Wong/NBAE via Getty Images)
“I hope the team signs him for the rest of the season, because I’m not going to say that because I don’t know much about autism, but I’m not going to say that because I don’t know much about autism, but I don’t want to put two young kids in that situation. We know it’s going to be expensive to train people,”’ Barclay added.
“We always talk about what kind of family we are. Let’s sign that kid for the rest of the season.”
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Former NBA guard Kenny Smith suggested the league make an “exception” in light of Snell’s situation.
Tony Snell (age 9) of the Maine Celtics faces Ethan Thompson (age 5) of the Windy City Bulls during the first half of an NBA G League game at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on March 21, 2023. (years old) and head to the basket. (Kamil Krzazynski/NBAE via Getty Images)
“It’s only 40 games.”
Snell, 32, was drafted 20th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2013. He last played in the NBA in the 2021-22 season.
He previously revealed in June that his son’s diagnosis led to his own autism diagnosis.
FOX News’ Joe Morgan contributed to this report.
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