James vowed to use his platform « to continue to shed light on everything that’s going on around this country. »
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, responding to recent criticism from AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, pledged to continue fighting against racial injustice in the United States and to « never shut up about things that are wrong » despite some preferring he’d focus solely on playing basketball and not political matters. This isn’t the first time James has been told to avoid voicing his opinion on societal issues or politics. In February of 2018, Fox News host Laura Ingraham characterized James and Kevin Durant’s comments regarding then-President Donald as « ignorant. » Ingraham, addressing James and Durant, stated: « You’re great players, but no one voted for you. Millions elected Trump to be their coach. So keep the political commentary to yourself or, as someone once said, shut up and dribble. » Last summer, after Saints quarterback Drew Brees said fellow players shouldn’t kneel before games, Ingraham defended him, stating Brees should be « allowed to have his view of what kneeling and the flag mean to him.