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LeBron James is not going to stick with the sport no matter who suggests it.
In an interview this week with Discover + in Sweden, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan said it was a “mistake” that “didn’t look good” when James and others “Famous” were involved in politics.
James responded to the soccer star’s comments after the Lakers won Friday over the Portland Trail Blazers.
“I would never shut up about the things that were wrong,” James said. “I preach on my people and I preach on equality. Social injustice. Racism. Systematic suppression of voters. Things that are happening in our community.
“Because I was part of my community at one point and saw things that were going on, and I know what is still going on because I have a group of over 300 kids at my [charter] school who are going through the same thing and who need a voice
“I am their voice and I use my platform to continue to shed light on everything that may be happening, not only in my community, but in this country and in the world. So there is no way I can stick to sports because I understand how this platform is and how powerful my voice is.
James is one of the sport’s most politically and socially active figures – and the 36-year-old has drawn anger for his comments in the past. In 2018, Fox News host Laura Ingraham sadly told him to “shut up and dribble” after James criticized then-President Donald Trump.
Over the past year, athletes like James have spoken out more and more about the issues off the pitch, following social protests across the country.
James and Ibrahimovic crossed over to Los Angeles for 16 months between 2018 and 2019, while Ibrahimovic was with the Galaxy and James the Lakers.
“It was the same guy who said when he was back in Sweden … because his last name was not a certain last name, that he felt there was racism. when he was in the field, ”James said. “I speak with a very educated mind, so I’m not really the person to go to because I’m doing my homework.”
James was referring to an interview in 2018, when Ibrahimovic said his Bosnian roots made him the subject of racism, especially in the media, in his native Sweden.
“I’m not Andersson or Svensson,” Ibrahimovic told Canal +. “If I was like that, believe me, they would defend me even if I rob a bank. They would defend me, I’m telling you.
James also praised the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Alvin Kamara on Friday for using their platforms to fight for social justice. He also recognized Renee Montgomery, a former WNBA player who became part-owner of the Atlanta Dream franchise this week after the league pressured Sen. Kelly Loeffler to sell.
“It makes me proud to be part of a generation where our voices are heard and guys speak with an educated mindset,” James said. “But most of all, when you speak from your heart, it rings even louder.
“And we have a lot of heart-talking guys who didn’t believe they had a voice at some point, or now they step into it and they see they can have a voice and that their voice really matters. It makes me proud.
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