LeBron James has done a lot of good in his 18 years in the NBA. He’s given back to his Akron, Ohio community, and his “LeBron James Family Foundation” has made a difference in the lives of thousands, raising and donating money to several charities. Some of these charities include the After-School All-Stars, the Boys and Girls Club of America, and the Children’s Defense Fund.
His charitable donations should not be overlooked. He’s never forgotten his humble upbringing and the community that helped him become the global icon he is today.
But this time, James missed the mark. And in a big way.
Just a day after Derek Chaivin was convicted on all charges in the death of George Floyd, James threw fuel on the already burning fire of racial tension in America.
Hours after the verdict, Ma’Khia Bryant of Columbus, Ohio was shot and killed by a police officer while reportedly attempting to stab another black woman during a heated altercation. Video appears to show Bryant brandishing a knife and in the midst of attempting to stab the woman before the officer shoots her four times.
Most would thank the officer for doing his job and saving the life of a woman who was clearly in danger of losing it.
James took another angle.
In a now-deleted tweet, James sent out a picture of the officer with “YOU’RE NEXT” as the caption.
Deleted pic.twitter.com/Xqoasasev4
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) April 21, 2021
Responding to a furious backlash, the four-time NBA champion deleted his tweet. However, instead of apologizing, James doubled down.
I’m so damn tired of seeing Black people killed by police. I took the tweet down because its being used to create more hate -This isn’t about one officer. it’s about the entire system and they always use our words to create more racism. I am so desperate for more ACCOUNTABILITY
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 21, 2021
ANGER does any of us any good and that includes myself! Gathering all the facts and educating does though! My anger still is here for what happened that lil girl. My sympathy for her family and may justice prevail! 🙏🏾✊🏾🤎👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 21, 2021
Not only was James’ doxxing of the officer dangerous, the basketball star also set a terrible example for other NBA players and millions of people around the world who look up to him as a leader.
The NBA is different from other professional sports in that it is almost entirely star-driven. The league depends on its superstars to drive ratings and to serve as the voice of the league. And for the past 18 years, James has been that voice.
The younger generation of NBA players worship the ground he walks on. They follow his lead at every turn and look to him in times of turmoil to deliver statements on behalf of the players.
By saying “YOU’RE NEXT” regarding a police officer, James has set a dangerous precedent. Not only did he put the police officer’s life in danger, he allowed emotions to get the best of him in believing the police officer was somehow at fault.
Based on the available evidence, the police officer doxxed by James did the job he signed up for by protecting the innocent. What did James expect the officer to do? Was he supposed to allow an innocent woman to be stabbed to death because he feared the online retribution from the woke mob that comes with another police shooting?
The NBA should come down hard on James, but it won’t. Like James, the NBA understands the media is on their side and nothing need be done.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.