The Two Sides Of Fatherhood: Unpacking Anthony Edwards' Absent Dad And His Own Paternity Drama

In late 2024 and early 2025, the conversation around Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has taken a complex turn, moving from his explosive on-court performance to the intricate details of his personal life, specifically his journey with fatherhood. For years, the public narrative focused on the tragic loss of his mother and grandmother—the true parental figures who shaped the NBA phenom. However, a series of recent paternity lawsuits has thrust the 23-year-old into the center of his own legal battles, drawing a stark contrast between the father who was absent in his life and the father he is now becoming. The truth about the man who gave Anthony Edwards his iconic nickname, "Ant-Man," is a story of absence and profound loss, tempered by the unwavering love of the maternal figures who raised him. This article delves into the biography of his biological father, the family tragedy that fueled his career, and the very current, headline-making drama surrounding his own children.

Anthony Edwards: A Brief Biography & Family Profile

Anthony Edwards' life story is one of immense talent forged in the crucible of personal tragedy. His journey from Atlanta, Georgia, to becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft is a testament to his resilience and the love of his immediate family.

• Full Name: Anthony DeVante Edwards
• Date of Birth: August 5, 2001
• Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
• NBA Team: Minnesota Timberwolves (Drafted 1st overall in 2020)
• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• Biological Father: Roger Caruth
• Mother: Chrisha Yvette Edwards (Deceased)
• Maternal Grandmother: Shirley Edwards (Deceased)
• Siblings: Antoine Edwards (Brother), Antoinette Edwards (Sister)
• Half-Brother: Rajah Caruth (NASCAR Driver)
• Nickname Origin: "Ant-Man," given by his father, Roger Caruth, when he was three years old.

The Absent Father: Who is Roger Caruth?

The man named as Anthony Edwards' biological father is Roger Caruth. While his name appears on Edwards' birth certificate, his role in the NBA star's life has been, by many accounts, minimal. According to reports, Caruth has been "mostly absent" from Edwards' life since his early childhood.

The most significant public connection between the two is the famous moniker that has followed Edwards throughout his career: "Ant-Man." Caruth reportedly bestowed the nickname upon his son when he was just three years old. Beyond this early gesture, Edwards has shared little about his relationship with his father, suggesting a minimal presence during his formative years.

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Interestingly, Roger Caruth is also the father of a rising star in a completely different sport: Rajah Caruth, a successful NASCAR Truck Series driver. This detail connects Anthony Edwards to a half-brother who is also a professional athlete, though their relationship and level of contact are not widely publicized.

The Real Pillars: Yvette and Shirley Edwards

To truly understand Anthony Edwards' drive and character, one must look to the two women who were the central figures in his life: his mother, Chrisha Yvette Edwards, and his maternal grandmother, Shirley Edwards. These two women were his primary caregivers and the bedrock of his family support system.

In a devastating turn of events, Edwards lost both his mother and his grandmother to cancer within a period of just eight months in 2015, when he was only 14 years old. This tragedy was a profound loss that shaped his perspective, fueled his ambition, and became the driving force behind his pursuit of an NBA career. He often speaks about playing for them and honoring their memory, frequently citing them as the "why" behind his success. The loss of his mother, whom he referred to as his "sleeping buddy," and his grandmother, who was a stabilizing force, left an indelible mark on the young athlete.

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Anthony Edwards' Own Paternity Drama: 2024-2025 Legal Battles

In a surprising and very current twist on the topic of "Anthony Edwards dad," the NBA star has recently been navigating the complexities of his own fatherhood. Starting in 2024 and continuing into 2025, Edwards has been embroiled in multiple paternity lawsuits and child support disputes, creating significant off-court headlines. This situation has brought a high level of scrutiny to his personal life, a stark contrast to his childhood where he experienced a father’s absence.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, reports confirm that Edwards is involved in legal proceedings with multiple women regarding the paternity and support of their children. The legal filings show a complex and ongoing situation.

The Paternity Lawsuits and Claims

The legal drama involves several claims, with court documents filed by and against the NBA star:

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• Case 1: Aris (February 2024): Legal documents obtained in February 2024 indicated that Edwards filed a petition acknowledging that he was the biological father of a child named Aris. He requested to be added to the child’s birth certificate, formally accepting his role.
• Case 2: Aubri (December 2024 - March 2025): Another case involved a woman named Howard, the mother of a child named Aubri. DNA results in December 2024 confirmed Edwards' biological connection to Aubri. The mother subsequently requested sole custody in March 2025, citing the DNA results. This case has been a point of significant contention and public discussion regarding child support and custody arrangements.
• Case 3: Alexandria Desroches (March 2025): Edwards was reportedly involved in a third paternity and child support lawsuit with Alexandria Desroches. Desroches claims that Edwards is the father of her son, who was born in October 2023. Edwards seemingly filed a petition in March 2025 to address this claim as well.

The timing of these legal battles—all unfolding during his peak NBA performance years—highlights the intense pressure and complex personal life of a modern professional athlete. The term "Anthony Edwards dad" now carries a dual meaning: the father who was not there for him, and the father he is actively being challenged to become for his own children.

The Impact of Family on Anthony Edwards' Career

The story of Anthony Edwards' family life is inextricably linked to his success. The early loss of his mother and grandmother instilled a profound sense of purpose and a relentless work ethic. He chose the jersey number 5 to honor the two women, as they both passed away on the 5th of the month (his mother on the 5th, his grandmother on the 15th).

His sisters, Antoine and Antoinette, also stepped up to help raise him following the tragedy, providing the stability and support needed to navigate his teenage years and focus on basketball. The foundation of love and sacrifice from the women in his life is the emotional engine that drives his "Ant-Man" persona on the court.

As he navigates his own journey into fatherhood, the lessons learned from his past—the pain of absence and the power of presence—will undoubtedly shape how he chooses to handle his new responsibilities. The 2024-2025 paternity lawsuits represent a critical juncture where Anthony Edwards must define what kind of father he will be, a decision that will impact his children and his legacy far beyond the basketball court.