JACKSON SAYS LEBRON RIGHT TO TAKE A STAND
The Rev. Jesse Jackson said on Monday he’s deeply insulted by a Fox News host’s “attack” on Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James and thanked the basketball AllStar for standing up for what he believes in.
Political commentator Laura Ingraham criticized the three- time NBA champion for his recent comments about social issues, suggesting he should “shut up and dribble.” James has vowed he won’t do that, saying he’ll continue to “talk about what’s really important.”
Jackson said it’s important for James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry and other NBA players to speak out against injustice and the behavior of President Donald Trump.
“No one told David to just play his harp and not stand up for his people,” Jackson said by phone from Chicago on Monday. “No one told Samson just lift weights and not challenge the Philistines. They told Jackie Robinson, ‘ Just play baseball.’ He told them, ‘ I’ma man with dignity first.’ They told Dr. King, ‘ Go be confined to the pulpit.’ He said, ‘ I must speak peace to a troubled world.’ In that tradition, King James, LeBron, his slam dunk for justice is needed. We thank him.”
“When Trump is attacking the FBI and covering up for the KGB,” Jackson said, “LeBron’s voice is needed.”
Jackson disclosed last year he has Parkinson’s disease. He said on Monday he’s doing “very well.”