LeBron James Peeps White House Game Fires Shots With #Equality Message
Four-time NBA MVP LeBron James said that his Nike shoes – one black, one white, with “equality” in gold capital letters – were a statement on “the game” that was going on at The White House, about a mile away.
The Cleveland Cavaliers forward wore the kicks during the first half of a game against the Washington Wizards, December 17, 2017, in Washington. He got a lot of attention for the show of his belief, but he never directly said the name Donald Trump.
“This is a beautiful country and we’re never going to let one person dictate how beautiful and how powerful we are,” the outspoken baller told reporters.
Here’s the statement in its entirety:
“Well, ... obviously, we all know where we are and we know who’s at the helm here. Us as Americans, no matter the skin color, no matter the race, no matter who you are, I think we all have to understand that having equal rights and being able to stand for something and speak for something and keep the conversation going.
Obviously, I’ve been very outspoken and well-spoken about the situation that’s going on at the helm here, and we’re not going to let one person dictate us, us as Americans, how beautiful and how powerful we are as people. So equality is all about understanding our rights, understanding what we stand for, and how powerful we are as men, as women, black or white or Hispanic.
No matter your race, whatever the case may be, this is a beautiful country and we’re never going to let one person dictate how beautiful and how powerful we are.”
He later posted on Instagram, Stand for something of power and change or don't stand for anything! #Equality #StriveForGreatness
Last summer, James criticized the Prez and defended Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry after Trump said he “revoked” Curry’s invitation to the White House. James called the president a “bum” on Twitter and reminded his followers that Curry didn’t want to meet with the Trumpster in the first place.
James finished the game – in different shoes – with 20 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Washington Wizards 106-99 for their 18th victory in 19 games.
By the way, this is the second time James sported “Equality” Nikes for a game. He wore an all-black pair of Nike Equality 15s on the opening night of NBA play in October. That time, the silent protest was in response to the controversy surrounding NFL players protesting the mistreatment of African Americans.
Keep on kickin’ it, King James! #Equality #StriveForGreatness
