Back in February, LeBron James made it clear that he would not be silent about social issues and the political climate. In the debut episode of his HBO show “The Shop,” James once again spoke about social issues and how they affect his life away from the courtroom.
James said that although she has lost popularity for speaking out about issues, she feels she has to do so because she has the opportunity to inspire others with her words. ESPN.com has more from James on the latest episode of “The Shop.”
“I want satisfaction. Not for myself, but for everyone else. I was brought up from… [rappers] snooping [Dogg] and [Tupac] and [Jay-Z] and biggie [Smalls]And now I have the opportunity to be an inspiration for what all these kids aspire to? And when many of my colleagues didn’t say “s,” I said “s.” Why don’t you just sit there and say, “? That wasn’t right.
“At the end of the day, when I decided to speak out and not say anything about the backlash or whether it would affect me, all my thoughts were, it’s not about me.” James added. “…My popularity has declined. But at the end of the day, my truth to so many children and so many people was broader than just me personally.”
James spoke out publicly at NBA All-Star 2018 in Los Angeles after Fox News host Laura Ingraham criticized the three-time NBA champion for his recent comments on social issues. James had previously responded with an Instagram post containing similar sentiments.
“We never shut up and dribble,” James said at the time. “I would never do that. I mean too much to society. I mean too much to young people. I feel so much for so many kids who feel like they need someone to help them get out of the situation they’re in.”
James made his first public comments on the issue in a video segment on Uninterrupted, the platform he co-founded. He was joined by Kevin Durant, with both superstars harshly criticizing President Donald Trump and the country’s racial climate. James cited Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Bill Russell and Jackie Robinson as athletes who have advocated for equality and change without worrying about consequences or compensation.
“We know it’s bigger than us,” James said. “It’s not about us. I’m going to keep doing what I have to do to play this game that I love, but this is more important than me playing the game of basketball.”
James was supported by several All-Stars at All-Star Media Day, including Stephen Curry, Paul George, Draymond Green, and Durant. They all believe that athletes have a significant opportunity to advocate for positive change in society.
“We’re a part of what’s going on in this world, what’s going on in this society, just like everyone else,” said George, an Oklahoma City Thunder forward from near Palmdale, California. We are sons. We are brothers. We have families to take care of. We are as deeply connected in this as anyone else. It’s pretty ignorant to say, “Stick to dribbling the basketball.” This is an indication of where we are as a country right now. ”
Commissioner Adam Silver strongly supported James and other outspoken NBA players in February, saying he was “incredibly proud” of James and Durant in particular.
“As commissioner of the NBA, this is a legacy of important work that I inherited and one that I continue to encourage,” Silver said. “These players aren’t just basketball players. They’re multidimensional. They care about their communities, they care about what’s going on in their country. And they… They don’t forget that there are people who disagree with them, and they care enough to sometimes risk themselves to speak out.
“Social media is also full of hate. … I’m really proud of them.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.