LOS ANGELES – In recent years, Cleveland Cavaliers' star LeBron James has begun to use his platform as the best player in the NBA and to speak out on social issues that he finds concerning. No one in the league has been more outspoken about Donald Trump than James, save for possibly San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich or Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
With the Cleveland Cavs in town to take on both the LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers this weekend, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers took time to praise James for his willingness to speak out on social issues, even going as far as to call him one of the most important sports figures of our time.
“I'm a big fan of his,” said Rivers. “I've been proud of LeBron through out his career. He's been an adversary of ours or mine because he's played on teams in Cleveland when I was in Boston and then Miami that we've always wanted to beat.
“Once you get off the floor, I think he's been one of the most important sports figures, not just basketball, sports figures that we've had because of his willingness. We all have the opportunity, but he willingly speaks what he thinks is truth whether you like it or not, whether you would agree with all of it or not. I think he has taken that gamble, and has not worried about the financial impact that it may have and to me, that's courageous. And I think he's always done it, he's always been his own man.”
James has taken a stand against a number of things that Trump has said over the last couple of years, including mainly the divisive comments regarding people from certain countries or religious backgrounds. He immediately rebuked Trump's statement regarding locker room talk stemming from his vulgar comments with Billy Bush in an Access Hollywood interview.
After the Warriors expressed their uncertainty about wanting to visit the White House, the President dis-invited them from visiting. That prompted James to call Trump a “bum,” adding that “going to the White House was an honor until you showed up.”
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, James took another stand against Trump to say, “We have to come together to shine a brighter light on stupidity. That’s what it comes down to. The guy in control has given the opportunity for people of racism confidence to do negative things.”
Just prior to the All-Star break, James was part of an Uninterrupted video featuring Warriors' star Kevin Durant and hosted by Cari Champion. Together, the trio discussed Trump, how the President is no longer an inspiration to everyone, and discussed his divisive comments once again.
Just a clip from #LeBronJames and #KevinDurant's #Uninterrupted clip where they talk about being outspoken against Donald Trump. I highly you watch it if you haven't yet. #Cavs #Warriors #NBA #NBAAllStar https://t.co/UiZfVDPZZT pic.twitter.com/xjWYoUECky
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 16, 2018
That was responded to by a Fox News host who criticized James for his lack of education, claiming he left high school early, which is untrue, and even included jabs at Kevin Durant. Many took note of the condescending tone used by the host that came off as racially driven, even though she claims they weren't. His comments were capped by by telling James and Durant to ‘shut up and dribble.'
And that was followed up by some sickening comments from a "news anchor"pic.twitter.com/LyrpJXRVhS
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 16, 2018
“He looks at it as his responsibility,” said Rivers about James and his stances on today's issues. “I think everyone is responsible, it shouldn't just be athletes. If you see something that's not right and you're silent, you're just as guilty. And that doesn't mean you should be a star to do that, that means everyone should do that. I don't think LeBron looks at it as he's LeBron James and saying it. I think LeBron thinks you should say it. And to me, that's even cooler. he just says what he thinks.”
Rivers highlighted people from the 1960's who committed their lives to standing up for what's right, and even went as far as to say LeBron James speaks without worrying about the criticism he would get back. One thing he did note, however, was that James' choice to speak out hasn't prompted enough players to do the same.
“I don't think it's done it as much as it should to be honest,” added Rivers. “I think coaches speak out, but I don't want to hear a coach. I think when players do it and do it for real, if you know what I mean. There's a lot of guys that talk, but I mean LeBron does it FOR REAL and I just really respect that. I respect anybody who is willing to. It's so easy now when we talk about sacrifice and standing up, but are you willing to lose your job over it? Thats what they did, people in the 60's lost their jobs and lives over standing up for what's right and so I've always respected guys like that.”
James will surely continue to make his voice heard regarding anything he deems necessary to. If the Cavs end up winning the 2018 NBA Championship, you can be sure James won't be visiting the White House, at least not under this current administration.
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