LeBron: Sports brings us together
James unhappy president creates divide among fans
In a relaxed, readyto-talk mood — sometimes funny but mostly serious — Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James doubled down on his criticism of President Trump.
So frustrated by the president’s rhetoric, James avoided saying the president’s name, often referring to Trump as “that guy.”
“The thing that frustrated me and pissed me off a little bit is the fact that he used the sports platform to try to divide us and sports is so, so amazing,” James said at Cleveland’s media day on Monday.
“What sports can do for everyone, no matter the shape or size or race or ethnicity or religion or whatever. People find teams, people find players, people find colors because of sport, and they just gravitate towards that and they just make them so happy. And it brings people together like none other.”
Addressing his Saturday tweet in which he criticized Trump, James, who in the summer referred to Trump as the so-called president, said he had no regrets about calling the president a bum after Trump uninvited the Golden State Warriors from a White
House visit. “He doesn’t understand the power that he has for being the leader of this beautiful country,” James said. “He doesn’t understand how many kids, no matter the race, look up to the president of the United States for guidance, for leadership, for words doesn’t of understand encouragement.that, and He that’s what makes me more sick than anything.” James tackled several topics — ones he knew would be addressed, including his future with the Cavaliers. Asked if he was still intent to remain with the Cavaliers for the remainder of his career, James responded, “It hasn’t changed. That’s why I sit here today still in this uniform, still ready to lead this franchise to a championship, put us in a position where we can be successHe said he will address free agency when it’s appropriate. “I don’t ever cheat my teammates or cheat the fans or talk about free agency all year long because I’m not going to give energy to something I can handle in the summertime when I should be focused on what I’m doing on a day-to-day basis to help this franchise compete for a championship,” James said. With that said, James said the Cavs’ tumultuous offseason, which resulted in the dismissal of general manager David Griffin and trading of Kyrie Irving, produced a championship-quality team with the addition of Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose and Jeff Green.
Dwyane Wade, who just reached a buyout agreement, could join James, his good friend, on the roster. “I would love to have D-Wade on this team,” James said.
But almost half of his 40-minute Q&A session with reporters focused on Trump, including NFL players who are protesting by kneeling.
James wasn’t sure what, if any protests, NBA players would have, but James indicated he will not kneel during the national anthem, which is a violation of NBA rules.
“My voice is more important than my knee,” he said.
“I talk (to media) every single day. What I say should hit home for a lot of people. I don’t believe I have to get on my knee to even further what I’m talking about.”
James also made clear the protests are not about the military or the flag.
“It is about equality and people having the option and the freedom to speak up on things they feel aren’t just,” James said.
While bothered by Trump, James said he wouldn’t let that deter him from his mission of helping kids through his charitable foundation.
“I’ve got this platform,” he said, “and I have a way to inspire and I have a way for my word to be bond, I will lend my voice, I will lend my passion, I will lend my money, I will lend my resources to my youth and my inner city and outside of my inner city to let these kids know that there is hope.”