NEWS FLASH: In Dallas, a 70-year-old man was struck by a driver who was using his phone while stopped at a red light. When emergency personnel arrived, they found that the guy was the father of an Dallas Mavericks star, shooting guard Max Christie and he say’s…..

A tragic incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon in downtown Dallas when a 70-year-old man was struck by a car while crossing the street. The driver, who admitted to using his phone while stopped at a red light, reportedly accelerated without noticing the pedestrian in front of his vehicle. The victim, later identified by authorities, turned out to be the father of Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Max Christie.

Emergency personnel arrived on the scene shortly after 2:30 PM near the intersection of Main Street and Griffin. Paramedics treated the man for non-life-threatening injuries and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

Christie, 22, who joined the Mavericks in the 2024–25 season, arrived at the hospital shortly after receiving the news. Speaking to reporters outside, the young NBA star shared a personal and heartfelt reaction:

“It’s hard to see your father hurt like that. I’m thankful he’s going to be okay, but it could’ve been a lot worse. People need to understand the danger of distracted driving — even if you think you’re just sitting at a light. One second of carelessness can change everything.”

Police say the driver remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators. No charges have been filed yet, but authorities confirmed the case is under review and may result in citations or further legal action, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The Dallas Police Department issued a reminder following the incident:

“Even when stopped, using a phone behind the wheel can lead to tragedy. Stay alert at all times — lives depend on it.”

Max Christie has requested privacy for his family as his father continues to recover. He is expected to play in Friday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns, but the Mavericks organization said they are fully supporting Christie and allowing him space if he decides to step away temporarily.

The Mavericks released a statement late Wednesday:

“Our thoughts are with Max and his family during this time. We are grateful his father is recovering and commend Max for his grace and composure under difficult circumstances.”

The incident has already sparked renewed discussions about distracted driving legislation in Texas, especially regarding mobile phone use while idling in traffic. Advocates hope the visibility of this case brings greater awareness to pedestrian safety and responsible driving behavior.