LeBron James’ COVID-19 Flip-Flop Puts Him On The Spot Again
LeBron James has always been outspoken, especially when it comes to sociopolitical issues. He has been so vocal that Fox News’ Laura Ingraham once told him in 2018 to just “shut up and dribble” after LeBron called out President Donald Trump for not giving “a f*** about the people.” Ingraham even instructed James to “keep the political commentary to yourself.” The four-time MVP stands defiant two years later. Just last October, LeBron shared his view on the NBA’s China controversy, though his opinions were not exactly met positively. LeBron, in fact, was widely denounced, with some accusing him of, among other things, double standards and cowardice.
LeBron: Always on the spot
Now, five months later, LeBron’s willingness to speak up has put him on the spot again. Early this March, NBA commissioner Adam Silver raised the possibility of playing games without fans as a response to the growing coronavirus concern. A Time Magazine report about LeBron’s response details how the three-time champ vehemently pushed back on the idea, saying that playing games sans the fans is “impossible” and that he “ain’t playing if I ain’t got no fans in the crowd.” LeBron went on to say that he plays for his teammates and the fans and that the league “can do what they want to do.”
Unsurprisingly, The King’s pronouncements got a gamut of reactions, especially after he backtracked later. With the coronavirus situation worsening rapidly, James changed his tune just as quickly. CBS Sports reports how LeBron clarified his earlier comments, noting that he had “no idea there was a conversation going on behind closed doors about the particular virus.” He then agreed, perhaps reluctantly, that the NBA’s proposed no-fans policy might be the best option for the players, fans, and everyone else.
Controversy comes with the territory
That The King seems to always be at the center of controversy is understandable. LeBron is the NBA’s star of stars, an All-Star for the 15th time this season. Unsurprisingly, he has excelled in the league’s annual showcase. A Bwin infographic comparing this year’s All-Star Game captains — LeBron and Giannis Antetokounmpo — shows how the 4-time MVP has scored 343 points and dished out 84 assists in his 14 previous appearances of the special game. That translates to an average of 24.5 points and 6 assists per game, which aren’t far behind LeBron’s regular-season career averages. These are indicative of LeBron’s undeniable greatness, which, in turn, has made The King a magnet for attention. Consequently, LeBron’s every action is magnified and his every word, hyper-analyzed. That’s exactly what happened in his latest comments about the NBA’s initial COVID-19 response.
LeBron’s remarks are now moot
With the NBA suspending the season indefinitely, LeBron’s latest controversial remarks have been rendered moot. Having said that, it is amazing just how much vitriol is directed at The King, especially when he speaks his mind. Here is a man who funded the I Promise School in his hometown and has been a role model throughout his career. Off that alone, maybe LeBron deserves a bit of a break from all these criticisms.