During a University of Kentucky basketball game, a fan took a hidden snapshot of a father and his little son. The image caused such a stir that even the coach searched for the mysterious man.
While watching a University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball game at Rupp Arena, Lexington supporters saw a fellow spectator in the stands enjoying the game with his little kid. However, there was something clearly weird about the man, prompting one attendee to take out their camera and photograph the strange incident.
The mysterious man was Michael McGuire, who was watching the game with his little son. According to CBS News, the dad’s presence prompted the fans to perform a double take. McGuire seemed to be completely coated in black soot. Unsurprisingly, the shot instantly went viral, and observers would soon figure out why.
McGuire had recently ended his shift at a nearby coal mine. The caring father had skipped a shower to get to the game on time with his 3-year-old son, Easton. He knew he’d turn heads with his haggard and filthy appearance, but he never imagined the attention that would follow.
Shortly after the photo went viral, UK Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari retweeted it, praising the parent and sharing his own story.
“My family’s American dream started in a Clarksburg, WV coal mine, so this picture hits home,” Calipari said. “From what I’ve heard, after his shift, he rushed to be with his kid and watch our squad. I’m not sure who this is, but I have VIP tickets for him and his family at Rupp!!”
Fortunately, Mollie McGuire discovered the photo doing the rounds on social media and called Calipari to inform him that the man in the shot was her husband. When his boss learned about McGuire’s 15 seconds of fame, he summoned him to his office. Initially assuming he was in danger, the father was startled when he walked inside to the shouts of his coworkers.
Along with free tickets, Calipari asked the McGuires to be guests of honor and meet the squad at their next scrimmage. The coach also stated that since the photo went viral, hotels and restaurants have contacted him with offers of free accommodations and meals for his family. Amazingly, a car dealership offered to give McGuire a vehicle.
Calipari applauded McGuire, complimenting the father’s humility. He added that the father cared more about spending quality time with his son than about what others thought of him.
Calipari has since vowed to “take care” of McGuire and his family, as the dad’s actions have deeply impacted the coach. Calipari told McGuire in front of the entire men’s team that he wishes he could be just like the faithful dad.
Michael McGuire was not anticipating the attention and gifts that he got. He is happy that others agree that fathers are extremely essential in their children’s lives. He intends to continue bonding with his kid via their shared passion of sports and setting a positive example of fatherly love.
McGuire demonstrates the impact of a father’s presence on his child’s life. A father is not only important, but irreplaceable, and something as apparently minor as choosing to value time with his child above the convenience of a shower and a change of clothing may have a big impact.
