On Friday, the NBA was filled with outrage, frustration, sadness, and anger after a video of Nichols, a 29-year-old father, was killed by five Memphis police officers was released. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association sent words of support for the family.
The league’s emotions were evident, as there have been so many times before of other incidents of police violence against Black men and women in recent years. NBA star LeBron James also made a comment on this tragedy, which apparently didn’t go well with the fans.
The policemen, who are all Black, are all charged with second-degree murder, as well as aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.
King James twitted “WE ARE OUR OWN WORSE ENEMY!!!” which did not come off as something compassionate. Being the face of the NBA, LeBron should have taken a strong stance against the violence which he clearly did not. Fans are criticizing him for washing his hand with the responsibility of speaking out.
LBJ further fueled the fire by retweeting a post that reads “What’s really clear about some of the reaction to the murder of #TyreNichols is that we’ve failed to fully understand race and its construction as a systemic tool. The entire system of policing sees the Black body as a problem. No matter who pulls the trigger.”
TOO FACTUAL!!! https://t.co/Om43WiAzrN
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 28, 2023
Some people pointed at the NBA star for his racial bias. Fans even claimed that LeBron wouldn’t give a damn if the victim was white.
Disgusting to try and spin this as a race problem. Im sure you’re disappointed that the cops weren’t other than black.
— David (@realworldplease) January 28, 2023
Everybody’s entitled to their opinion, but that doesn’t mean they will be taken seriously. And athletes and other celebrities are entitled to their opinions, and we get that they are under pressure to comment. But when they just pull publicity stunts like kneeling or hiding in the locker room or putting some deep message on their helmet, they have to take unpleasant criticism.
LeBron may have had a harmless intention, but an issue such as this one certainly grabs everyone’s attention and no comment on it goes unnoticed.
How do you see LeBron’s take on the Tyre Nichols incident? Share with us in the comment.
LBJ is so ignorant. Thank God that he can play with a ball.
He should play ball make his big money and keep his big mouth shut
Families have been destroyed and this is a very disheartening matter and shoud never ever happen. No one should have to fear for their life whenever they’re stopped or immediately accused of a crime esp. when it’s supposed to be a traffic stop.
Where is the lie that he told. Why days later we find a white cooperative officer was involved who is not fired like all involved should be.
He is ENTITLED TO HIS OPINION… He is HUMAN Being just like everyone else. He just reached more people. I don’t see nothing bias about his comment. People today are so sensitive about everything and what anyone says if something is said but not to their liking it’s a problem. That’s his opinion. Why be mad at him it’s ok to agree to disagree.
He is speaking FACTS….y you’ll mad at him…we R our worst enemy….if you can’t see it…then you’ll r delusional…
LBJ Should be able to say what the hell he want just like everyone else.