People have been waiting to hear NBA superstars weigh in on the current controversy with China, but most have remained silent. LeBron James, however, decided to speak on the issue following a recent Los Angeles Lakers practice session.
LeBron was slammed for his comments for “putting profits over human rights” after sharing his thoughts on a tweet from Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who sparked the controversy after sharing his support for Hong Kong protestors, according to CNBC.
“We all talk about this freedom of speech, yes, we all do have freedom of speech. But at times, there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re only thinking about yourself,” James told the media.
“I don’t want to get into a word or sentence feud with … with Daryl Morey. But I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke.”
LeBron would later expand on his comments on Twitter.
“Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet. I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk About that,” LeBron tweeted. “My team and this league just went through a difficult week.
“I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it.”
People were quick to jump on LeBron’s comments on the matter, with Republican Senators Rick Scott and Ben Sasse blasting the NBA star.
“King James — you’re parroting communist propaganda. China is running torture camps and you know it,” Sasse added.
This is a prime example of why players were keeping quiet over the international issue. While they may be quick to speak out against injustice in American because they can relate to the issues at hand and some even have the first-hand experience, it’s a lose-lose situation when it comes to the China ordeal.