Who Is Lateef Williamson? All About Zion Williamson’s Father

Lateef Williamson, is known as the biological father of basketball star Zion Williamson. He had a brief stint as a football player at NC State before academic challenges ended his scholarship. He married Sharonda Sampson, they divorced after a few years. when Zion was only 4 years old. Despite his absence in Zion’s life, Zion expressed love for him on Father’s Day in 2017. Lateef maintains a private life, with little information available about his current whereabouts.

Lateef Williamson is the biological father of Zion Williamson, a prominent basketball player currently playing as a power forward for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. 

Lateef Williamson himself has a background in sports, having been a 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive end who briefly played for NC State before academic issues affected his scholarship.

Quick Bio

Full Name	Lateef Williamson
Gender	Male
Date Of Birth	N\A
Place Of Birth	United States
Zodiac Sign	N\A
Age	Early 50s
Sexual Orientation	Straight
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	African-American
Famous For	Zion Williamson’s Father
Marital Status	Divorced
Ex-Wife	Sharonda Sampson
Children	Zion Williamson
Profession	Football Player
Net Worth	N\A

Lateef Williamson’s Early Life & Background

Williamson’s birth date is not readily available in the available information. 

However, his son, Zion Lateef Williamson, was born on July 6, 2000, in Salisbury, North Carolina. 

Thus, considering the typical age difference between parents and children, Lateef Williamson is likely in his early 50s as of 2024. 

Regarding his ethnicity & nationality, Lateef Williamson is African-American By ethnicity and holds American nationality. 

Specific details about Lateef Williamson’s early life are not available. However, it is known that he has an athletic background. 

So, it can be inferred he might have spent his early life with an interest in the field of sport which also got translated into his profession.

Educational Background

Williamson’s educational background is not extensively documented in the available information. 

However, it’s known that Lateef was actively involved in sports during his academic years. 

He pursued football, playing as a defensive lineman at Mayo High School in Darlington, South Carolina. 

Later, he continued his athletic pursuits at Livingstone College, a historically black Christian college located in Salisbury, North Carolina.

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Williamson’s Professional Career

Lateef Williamson, the father of Zion Williamson, was briefly involved in football as a player. 

Lateef Williamson, father of Zion Williamson, showed promise as a football player, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 260 pounds. 

He played as a defensive end for North Carolina State University before academic challenges ended his scholarship. 

Though his current occupation remains undisclosed, he’s recognized for his athletic prowess, particularly as an imposing defensive lineman during his time at NC State.

Lateef Williamson & Sharonda Sampson Relationship: Marriage & Divorce

Sharonda Sampson and Lateef Williamson’s relationship began during their tertiary education, where they met. 

Lateef, a football defensive linesman, transferred to North Carolina on a football scholarship. 

After dating for several years, they married in 1997. However, their marriage was short-lived, and they eventually separated after a few years. 

The reasons for their divorce remain undisclosed, leaving much about their marital journey unknown.

Sharonda Sampson Married Lee Anderson After Divorce

However, it is known that Sharonda Sampson remarried Lee Anderson following her separation from Lateef Williamson. 

Lee Anderson, a former Clemson college basketball player, became Sharonda Sampson’s second husband. 

This union followed Sampson’s divorce from Lateef Williamson, but the specifics regarding how they met and the timeline of their relationship are not extensively documented in public records or media reports.

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Lateef Williamson’s Son: Zion Williamson

Lateef Williamson’s son is Zion Williamson, a prominent American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. 

Born on July 6, 2000, in Salisbury, North Carolina, Zion has gained widespread recognition for his exceptional skills and athleticism on the basketball court. 

He plays as a power forward and has made a significant impact in the league since his debut. 

Despite his young age, Zion has already become one of the most recognizable and promising talents in basketball.

Zion Wished His Father “Happy Father’s Day”

In 2017, Zion expressed appreciation for his stepfather on Father’s Day, acknowledging his role and support in his life. 

In a 2017 Instagram post, Zion thanked his stepdad, indicating that he had been there for him since he was four years old. 

He also mentioned his biological, Lateef Williamson, in his post and expressed his love for him.

“Happy Father’s Day to my step dad, who has been there for me since I was 4, teaching me the game I love and showing me how to be a man. To my real dad, idk if he will see this, but happy Father’s Day, always will have love for ya.”

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Lateef Williamson’s Relationship With Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson’s father, left him when he was 4 years of age, after divorced. Zoin was primarily raised by his mother and his stepfather. 

Following the divorce, Zion’s mother, Sharonda Sampson, later married Lee Anderson, who became a significant figure in Zion’s life. Lateef Williamson never appeared in any of his matches to support him. 

So, the father-son do not share a close relationship and a strong bond. But Zoin has always expressed his love for his biological father.

Where Is Lateef Williamson Now?

Lateef Williamson and Zion’s mother, Sharonda Sampson, separated when Zion was a young boy. 

Since then, details about Lateef Williamson’s life have not been widely publicized. It appears that he has maintained a relatively private life away from the public eye.

Is Lateef Williamson Active On Social Media?

Zion Williamson himself is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about his basketball career, personal life, and interactions with fans. 

However, there is no widely known or publicized social media presence specifically attributed to Lateef Williamson, Zion Williamson’s father.

Lateef Williamson’s Net Worth 2024

Information regarding Lateef Williamson’s net worth is not readily available in public sources. However, his son, Zion Williamson’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $18 million as of 2024.