Lebron James: ‘I Respect’ Kaepernick, But Will Stand For Anthem

LeBron James met the media for the first time this season on Monday, as the defending champion Cavaliers opened training camp this week. During his media session, James addressed Colin Kaepernick‘s National Anthem protests — which are now prevalent throughout the NFL.

“I’m all in favor of anyone — athlete or non-athlete — being able to respect what they believe in a peaceful manner,” James said. “And that’s exactly what Colin Kaepernick is doing, and I respect that.”

But James added that he plans to stand for the Anthem this season.

“Standing for the National Anthem is something I will do,” James said. “That’s who I am. That’s what I believe in.”

James went on to say that he feels the “negative attention” Kaepernick has gotten is undeserved.

What I do not like about the situation is the negative attention that has been thrown upon him from certain people. ‘Cause it’s not deserved. He was very educated. Very smart. Very candid. And very demanding about what he wanted to do. And he didn’t ask anybody else to join him. And he did it in the most peaceful manner I’ve ever seen someone stand up and do something. So I can respect that.

Watch more above, via cleveland.com.

[h/t The Big Lead]

[image via screengrab]

–

Follow Joe DePaolo (@joe_depaolo) on Twitter

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!