As mums, we all know just how incredible seeing life being brought into the world is.

 

And just how important it is for our significant others to experience the defining moment as well. 

 

However, not all fathers can be there; whether due to relationship status, work commitments that they simply can't get out of, or not having enough time to get to the hospital, sometimes life can get in the way. 

 

 

So when we heard a father, who plays professional basket, being questioned about why he was allowed to take a leave of absence during playoffs to be there at the birth, we were delighted when his coach stood up for him, and for all men in general. 

 

Former NBA player Sarunas Jasikevicius, head coach of Zalgiris in Lithuania, was being interviewed at a press conference recently, when a reporter asked what he thought of his defender Augusto Lima missing a game for the birth of his daughter. 

 

And his response is the best thing we have heard in a long time. 

 

In a video uploaded to YouTube, the coach can be heard telling the journalist who asked "what did he think about Lima leaving", that he allowed him to go. 

 

Here is the full transcript, which was posted to Reddit, in English.

 

Comment from discussion Former NBA player Sarunas Jasikevicius, head coach of Zalgiris in Lithuania, gave one of his players a leave of absence to attend the birth of his child during a playoff series. Here he is telling off a reporter who questioned his decision.

 

"Journalist: Coach, what do you think about Augusto leaving in the middle of a series to see his child being born?

 

"Coach: What do you mean? I let him.

 

"J: But is it normal for a player to leave in the middle of a series?

 

"C: Do you have kids?

 

"J: No

 

"C: Well when you have kids, youngster, you'll understand. Because that's the height of human experience. Wow, that's actually a good question. Do you think basketball is the most important thing in life?

 

"J: No, but a semi-final is important...

 

"C: Semi? To whom is it important?

 

"J: The team

 

"C: Who?

 

"J: Zalgiris .

 

"C: Did you see the number of fans? Important?

 

"When you see your first child, you will understand what the most important thing in life is. Come and have a chat with me. Because nothing is more majestic in the world that the birth of a child. Believe me. Not titles, not anything. Augusto is in heaven emotionally. I'm really happy for him."

 

 

Being a mum is tough but so is being a dad, and having someone of good standing talk about the importance of family and putting it ahead of all else is, well, inspiring. 

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