Over the weekend, a report from The Sun claimed that legendary boxer Muhammad Ali could have only days to live. Muhammad’s brother Rahman Ali reportedly said that the former heavyweight champion was not only beginning to lose his battle with Parkinson’s disease, but that he was also in the middle of a bitter family feud.
Rahman said that Ali’s wife of 26 years, Lonnie, has driven a wedge between the brothers and other members of the family. He explained that Ali’s health is declining and that he cannot speak and does not recognize him. He also said Lonnie has blocked his access to a trust fund that Muhammad wanted Rahman to have after he dies.
“Before he got sick he told me, ‘Rahman, I’ve set up a trust fund for you after I die, you get the money,’” Rahman claimed. “But she’s put a stop to it. If he knew what was happening and where I’m living now, he’d be as mad as hell, so angry. He’d divorce her. If he saw what was happening with his children, he’d go crazy.”
Contrary to the report, Muhammad’s daughter Laila Ali tweeted a photo of her dad on Sunday and said that he is doing just fine and watching the Super Bowl.
My dads health is normal! Here is a pic of him today! Thanks for all well wishessay.ly/RUf56pt
— Laila Ali (@TheRealLailaAli) February 4, 2013
“(To) all concerned, my father is the same as usual,” Laila wrote in a separate tweet. “I spoke (to) his wife today and she said he is totally fine and was watching the game! Thanks!”
Oftentimes when a famous celebrity or athlete is ill, their family will try to downplay their condition in an attempt to get some privacy. While that could be the case, it appears that Ali was not in the hospital and was at home rooting for Ray Lewis and the Ravens. Assuming he is not in grave condition, that raises a number of questions about what could be motivating Rahman to come out and say his brother is dying.
