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Horford responds to criticism over missing game following birth of child

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Al Horford's decision to skip Monday night's contest against the Miami Heat for the birth of his child did not sit well with at least one Boston Celtics media member.

CSNNE's Michael Felger criticized the Celtics big man for not returning to Miami immediately following the delivery.

"He had the birth of his kid in Atlanta," Felger said on air. "The game was in Miami. I know when you make $30 million a year it ain't much to get a private jet. (Celtics co-owner) Wyc (Grousbeck) would probably pick it up to fly down at 3 o'clock in Atlanta. It's about a 90-minute flight to Atlanta. Play the game and come right back."

The 30-year-old defended his decision Tuesday, saying it was more important to be with his wife given all that she's been through over the last several months.

"Family is very important," Horford told CSNNE's A. Sherrod Blakely. "For me, I'm in more of a unique situation. This is our first year here and my wife, going through all the moving in the middle of the pregnancy ... I just felt it was really important for me to be there for her, supporting her. We have a son as well. For her, it's been a lot thrown at her the past few months. I know it meant a lot to her for me to be there."

Felger's comments did not sit well with at least one family member, as Horford's sister, Anna, went on Twitter to blast the Boston-based reporter.

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