In February 2018, Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham came out with a highly controversial statement against LeBron James. The outspoken broadcaster criticized the Los Angeles Lakers superstar for being too involved in the socio political scene. According to Ingraham, James should just focus on his day job instead of sharing his thoughts about current events. “Shut up and dribble” is what Ingraham told LeBron at that time.
Naturally, this polarizing statement sent shockwaves in the media. Some folks agreed with Ingraham in the belief that professional athletes shouldn't be talking politics at all — that they should just stick with what they do. Others, however, slammed Ingraham for her backward-thinking philosophy. The argument is that athletes such as LeBron should absolutely use their platform to ty and effect some sort of change in the “real world.”
The debate has continued to rage on and the “shut up and dribble” phrase has taken on a life of its own. So much so, that LeBron himself has decided to come out with the ultimate troll move to clap back at this slanderous take. According to trademark attorney Josh Gerben, James' company has decided to apply for a trademark for this exact phrase:
LeBron James' company Uninterrupted has filed a new trademark for:
SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE
The company claims it will offer "SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE"-branded:
1. Virtual goods such as clothing, sports equipment and toys.
2. Podcasts
3. Motion picture films
4. Clothing#LeBronJames pic.twitter.com/30i9kMzqez
— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) July 22, 2022
This is an epic move by the Lakers talisman. LeBron James knows how popular this phrase has become, and while it is definitely a knock on his character, The King has decided to flip the switch here. Instead of bemoaning this utterly insulting statement, the four-time NBA champ has decided to just make money out of it. Now if that isn't an epic trolling, then I don't know what is.
Follow Us
Subscribe