LeBron Speaks on Tamir Rice After Activists Push for Him to Boycott Games in Protest
Protesters have been in the streets of Cleveland ever since the announcement that no charges were filed in the death of Tamir Rice. And one way some activists attempted to send a message was by appealing directly to LeBron James.
LeBron hasn’t been particularly outspoken about such issues before, but he did send a powerful message last year when he wore an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt at a game––the last words of Eric Garner as he was in a police chokehold.
Well, activists attempted to pressure the Cleveland Cavaliers star to refuse to stop playing games until the legal system adequately addresses Rice’s death, using the hashtag #NoJusticeNoLebron:
Can we collectively flood @KingJames mentions to remind him not to play?
— TariqTouré (@TariqToure) December 29, 2015
#NojusticeforTamirRice means we gotta fight back!
@KingJames when you gonna use your platform? https://t.co/iB17wt0BaI
— Orit (@Empress_Orit) December 29, 2015
The Powers That Be in Cleveland would cower before their star athlete, @KingJames, if he refused to play.
— Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) December 29, 2015
#NoJusticeNoLeBron @KingJames your son could've been #TamirRice
— City Bloc (@bccbloc) December 29, 2015
Can't be the King if you can't represent the People. #NoJusticeNoLeBron https://t.co/x9B7dwkB56
— Action.Brotha.Jedi. (@BmoreDoc) December 29, 2015
.@KingJames Take a stand Lebron. You have the opportunity to use your status to make a real difference. #NoJusticeNoLebron #TamirRice
— D (@Delo_Taylor) December 29, 2015
Well, James actually did speak out about Rice’s death this week. And according to ESPN, this is what he said Tuesday:
“For me, I’ve always been a guy who’s took pride in knowledge of every situation that I’ve ever spoke on. And to be honest, I haven’t really been on top of this issue. So it’s hard for me to comment. I understand that any lives that [are] lost, what we want more than anything is prayer and the best for the family, for anyone. But for me to comment on the situation, I don’t have enough knowledge about it.”
And some people didn’t like that response:
don’t think bron owes us anything. but the case he’s least informed on is the one in his backyard? y’okay. https://t.co/PiC3Db0PVS
— El Flaco (@bomani_jones) December 30, 2015
LeBron is the most influential man in Cleveland. Tamir was killed 400 days ago. Has sons Tamir's age. Basically said it's not his problem.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) December 30, 2015
Somewhat disappointed in LeBron James' response when asked about #TamirRice https://t.co/CAX58egEpv
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) December 30, 2015
Looked at the 164 folks @KingJames follows. He might want to add a 165th to keep him abreast of the issues happening in the world. BRUH!!
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) December 30, 2015
[image via s_bukley/Shutterstock]
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