James on graffiti at house: Racism still part of America
OAKLAND, Calif. — LeBron James reacted with deep emotion to an incident in which a racial slur was spraypainted on the gate to a mansion he owns in Los Angeles, describing it as evidence that “racism will always be a part of the world, be a part of America.”
James made his remarks during a news conference heading into Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight between his defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.
“As I sit here on the eve of one of the greatest events we have in sports, race and what’s going on comes again and on my family’s behalf," James said. "But if this is to shed a light and continue to keep the conversation going on my behalf, then, I’m OK with it. My family is safe, and that’s the most important thing.
“But it just goes to show that racism will always be a part of the world, a part of America. Hate in America, especially for AfricanAmericans, is living every day, even though it’s concealed most of the time. People hide their faces and will say things about you, ( but) when they see you, they smile in your face. It’s alive every single day.”
James was not at the mansion when the incident was discovered at about 6: 45 a. m. Wednesday. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating it as a hate crime.
James put the incident in historical context, recalling the case of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old who was lynched in 1955 in Mississippi. Till was from Chicago and was visiting relatives. He was abducted and hanged four days after he was seen flirting with a white woman.
“I think back to Emmett Till’s mom, actually,” James said. “The reason she had an open casket is because she wanted to show the world what her son went through as far as a hate crime and being black in America. So, no matter how much money you have, no matter how famous you are, no matter how many people admire you, being black in America is tough.
“We’ve got a long way to go for us as a society and for us as African-Americans until we feel equal in America."
Although he said he didn’t feel the normal energy he would the day before the Finals, James vowed not to let it distract him. He said the only drawback is that he can’t be with his three children.