Mekhi Becton's Mother, Semone Becton, Talks Her Fear for the Lives of Her Children

Kaitlin O'Toole | Jun 4, 2020

The recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis while in police custody is a grim reminder of the horrific events still taking place in this country. Even the exciting news of Mekhi Becton being drafted into the NFL can be overshadowed by the fear parents Semone and Jerome have about the dangers their children face in this world, even as adults.

Kaitlin O'Toole is joined by Jets Country maven Kristian Dyer as he shares the conversation he had with Semone Becton and how her faith and family is helping them all through this difficult time.

Read the full transcript below:

Kaitlin O'Toole: The New York Jets drafted Mekhi Becton as the 11th overall pick during the NFL draft and even at 6' 7" and 364 pounds, his mom, Semone, is opening up about her motherly concerns for his safety, along with her two sons at home. Joining me now from Jets Country is Kristian Dyer. Kristian, the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis while in police custody is a grim reminder of the horrific events still taking place in this country. You spoke with Mekhi's mom, Semone, about how she feels sending her son out in the world to play in the NFL. What did she share with you?

Semone Becton with her family. Courtesy: @semonebecton

Kristian Dyer: Your son might be 6' 7" and 364 pounds but if you're Semone Becton, you're always going to have a motherly love and a motherly concern. While she acknowledged that it is a dangerous world and a scary world at times, in particular for African-Americans and young African-American males, in particular in light of the George Floyd situation in Minneapolis, she also said that she has a real belief in God and that he is ultimately in control and that she has a vibrant prayer life. But also she's relying on the fact that there is a close-knit family circle around Mekhi. There are other two young boys: Michael, who's twelve years old, and Mason, who's three years old. So they're relying very much on the father, Jerome, who is an active father in terms of his involvement with the boys and being a role model and being constantly tuned in and plugged in with Mekhi and also the grandfather, who is also very active as well, safeguarding and providing mentorship. So there's a real nucleus around the jet's first-round pick and one that they're relying on through these difficult and confusing times.

Kaitlin O'Toole: Absolutely. I think we can all take some advice, them leaning towards family and faith in this challenging time. Kristian. Thank you so much for this insight.

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Published Jun 4, 2020

KAITLIN O'TOOLE