Even with news of the NBA’s return, LeBron James and everyone in the basketball community is focused on another, much bigger matter: the social injustices carried about by police officers and the system that supports them.
As another day of protests (both peaceful and violent) continues, the biggest face of basketball (LeBron) is having a battle with an old and familiar enemy.
In his past criticisms of President Donald Trump, FOX News’ Laura Ingraham infamously told LeBron to “shut up and dribble.” At the time, it sparked a nationwide movement by black athletes who responded by insisting they were “more than athletes.”
Well, Ingraham and LeBron are once again the topic of conversation after she recently defended Drew Brees for his controversial stance against the idea of players protesting the nation upon the return of the NFL season.
“I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country,” he said. “Let me just tell you what I see or what I feel when the national anthem is played, and when I look at the flag of the United States. I envision my two grandfathers, who fought for this country during World War II, one in the Army and one in the Marine Corps. Both risking their lives to protect our country and to try to make our country and this world a better place.”
His comments drew a lot of backlash for his apparent misunderstanding of the cause but Laura actually came to his defense, saying he is “allowed to have an opinion.” Obviously, defending Brees (who is an NFL quarterback with no political experience) for speaking up directly contradicts her earlier argument against LeBron who she once told to “shut up and dribble.”
Laura Ingraham to LeBron and KD: “Shut up and dribble!”
To Drew Brees: “He’s allowed to have an opinion.” 🧐 pic.twitter.com/PtEBHdPh7o
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) June 4, 2020
LeBron eventually flamed her after realizing what she said about Brees.
If you still haven’t figured out why the protesting is going on. Why we’re acting as we are is because we are simply F-N tired of this treatment right here! Can we break it down for you any simpler than this right here???? 🤦🏾♂️. And to my people don’t worry I won’t stop until I see https://t.co/e4pJ0PvwJj
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 4, 2020
Whatever the reason, it’s certainly hypocritical to defend one while essentially telling the other they have no business sharing their political opinion. And whatever her motives, LeBron wasn’t going to let that one slide.
Ingraham has since responded to the backlash, citing her own values about equality and respect in these difficult times.
(FOX News Channel’s THE INGRAHAM ANGLE)
“And now an update on a segment we brought you last night: I expressed concern that New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees was being subjected to withering criticism for answering a question about what NFL protests might look like next season.
He said the flag shouldn’t be disrespected and that he thinks of his veteran grandfathers and the civil rights pioneers when he hears our national anthem. We noted that Brees also cited his deep Christian faith which of course teaches that everyone should be treated equally–and we noted his generous contributions to charity.
My defense of Brees’ led to an online chorus of people comparing those comments to previous comments I had made to LeBron James. At the time, James had said that Trump “really doesn’t give an “eff” about the people.”
Well, without dwelling on the nuance between the two instances, let me be very clear about what I believe: We are all children of God, regardless of our racial or political differences and therefore must be treated equally.
Every American, every-American has the God-given right to speak his mind on any issue. I think in order to heal and shed light on gross injustices, our country needs more dialogue, not less. And we need more respect, less retribution.
Emotions are hot right now and unfortunately, in times like these, we often find ourselves, I know it’s easy to do, talking past each other.
Right now Americans, I think most of them, are looking for reconciliation. That means politicians, police, and even cultural figures all working together. All of us.
We are all human beings on this earth for a very short period of time when you think about it, This is a moment when we should be listening and learning. All of us.”
