The NBA, Los Angeles Lakers, and many of LeBron James’ sponsors have remained silent following his since-deleted tweet accused of inciting violence against the Columbus police officer involved in shooting 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant, who was Black.
The four-time NBA champion faces major backlash after tweeting a picture of one of Bryant’s shooting scenes with the caption: “YOU’RE NEXT #ACCOUNTABILITY.”
James was slammed by critics on social media who accused him of using his platform to incite violence against the officer to his nearly 50 million followers while apparently suggesting that the shooting was unjustified, coming from the heels of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s conviction of killing and murdering George Floyd.
Fox News made repeated attempts to contact the NBA and Lakers, but as of Thursday morning neither answered.
Fox News made repeated attempts to contact the NBA and Lakers, but as of Thursday morning neither responded.
The Lakers issued a statement Tuesday following Chauvin’s conviction that his guilty verdict “encouraged” them.
“Specifically for George Floyd’s life and the multiple racial injustices that Black people face in this country every day,” read the statement. “We will continue to use our voice to demand that our nation fulfil the promise of freedom, equality and justice for all.”
NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also issued a joint conviction statement.
Fox News also made attempts to comment on the anti-cop tweet to some of James’ sponsors, including Nike, Pepsi, General Motors, Beats Electronics and Walmart, but none replied on Thursday morning.
NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver have issued a joint conviction statement.
Fox News also made attempts to comment on the anti-cop tweet to some of James’ sponsors, including Nike, Pepsi, General Motors, Beats Electronics and Walmart, but none replied on Thursday morning.
Shortly after posting, James deleted the tweet and explained he sent it from “ANGER.”
“ANGER does any good, and that includes me!” he tweeted. “Collecting all the facts and educating does! My anger is still here with this Lil girl. My sympathy and justice for her family!”
He’s added, “I’m so damn tired of police killing Black people. I took the tweet down because it’s used to make more hate—this isn’t about one officer. It’s about the whole system, always using our words to create more racism. I’m so desperate for ACCOUNTABILITY.”
Outrage over Tuesday’s deadly shooting came after police broke protocol and released bodycam footage showing the victim charging another woman with a knife before shooting.
The officer was on administrative leave pending an investigation. Ohio state law allows police to use deadly force to protect themselves or others, and investigators will determine whether such shooting occurred.
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