NBA
President Trump Insults LeBron James
On Monday, July 30, 2018, LeBron James announced the opening of his ‘I Promise’ School. However, it only took five days for the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to attack the NBA’s most influential player. Friday night, President Trump attacked James via Twitter in response to an interview between him and CNN’s Don Lemon.
Trump expressed how Lemon made James look smart, which he claims “isn’t easy to do.” He went on to say he likes Mike, referring to NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2018
There is so much to unpack here.
Let’s Be Clear
James is a global icon. He is an ambassador for the NBA and the United States. While he is recognized mostly for his athletic greatness on the hardwood, he is also a model citizen, father, philanthropist, and social activist. His recent school opening was monumental as it is already sparking a movement of fellow athletes pursuing similar initiatives. He is not the first athlete to open a school. However, he is arguably the greatest to do something of this magnitude.
The achievement was promptly celebrated by NBA fans, NBA players, media figures, and any big-hearted person in the general population. The greatest gesture was provided by the former First Lady of the United States. She intimated how proud her and former President Barack Obama were of LeBron for him using his NBA platform for good. See below:
.@BarackObama and I are so proud of @KingJames and @IPROMISESchool. Kids in Akron and across the US are lucky to have you as a role model on and off the court. Keep using your platform for good and giving our kids a chance to shoot for the stars. 🌟🏀 #ReachHigher #BetterMakeRoom pic.twitter.com/hyS6UM2A7b
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 31, 2018
President Trump did not publicly acknowledge the achievement. However, we are sure he was “overjoyed” about it. Because, we all know he is too busy to tweet about any and everything-he likely just didn’t get around to congratulating James.
A Rivalry Of Sorts
There is a recent history of conflict between James and President Trump. It started after the 2017 NBA Champions, Golden State Warriors “hesitated” to take the traditional trip the White House after their victory.
First, Trump took to Twitter to rescind his White House invitation:
Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
Then, James responded in defense of Steph Curry and the Warriors decision, calling President Trump a “Bum”:
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
Next, James Defends His “Bum” Statement
Whether James is the greatest basketball player of all time is debatable. However, his willingness to speak his mind in this tenuous political climate is not in question.
In the interview that sparked the President’s tweet, James has some candid remarks regarding the Trump:
“What I’ve noticed over the past few months, (is) he’s kinda used sports to kinda divide us, and that’s something that I can’t relate to.”
He went on to express:
“Sports was the first time I was ever around someone white,” revealed the four-time NBA MVP. “I got an opportunity to see them and learn about them, and they got the opportunity to learn about me … And I was like, ‘Oh wow, this is all because of sports.'”
At the end of the video Lemon asked James what would he say to the President if he was sitting right here? Without Hesitation, James quipped:
”I will never sit across from him”
James is the most popular active player in the NBA. His physical gifts are undeniable. However, the attribute he possesses that is greater than his physical gifts is his emotional intelligence. However, emotional intelligence is proving to be rare in these times.
Michael Jordan weighed in:
Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan’s official statement, via spokesperson, in wake of Donald Trump tweet referencing him and LeBron James: “I support LJ. He’s doing an amazing job for his community.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 4, 2018
More Than An Athlete
Most importantly, James is more than an athlete and he is proving he will not “shut up and dribble.” Maybe the president and his constituents should spend less time tweeting and more time finding ways to build schools for at-risk children.
Game respects game. The world is watching. Check ball!
