On Monday, LeBron James addressed the NBA’s ongoing issues in China and the since-deleted tweet in support of Hong Kong from Rockets GM general manager Daryl Morey that started it all.
“We all talk about this freedom of speech, yes, we all do have freedom of speech. But at times, there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re only thinking about yourself,” James told reporters ahead of a game against Golden State.“I don’t want to get into a word or sentence feud with … with Daryl Morey.”
James continued: “But I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke. And so many people could have been harmed not only financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually. So just be careful what we tweet and say and we do, even though, yes, we do have freedom of speech, but there can be a lot of negative that comes with that, too … I believe he was either misinformed or not really educated on the situation, and if he was, then so be it.”
After making those remarks and not really explaining why he thought Morey was misinformed about what is happening in Hong Kong, James (ironically) took to Twitter to clarify his statements.
Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet. I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk About that.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
My team and this league just went through a difficult week. I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
Whether intended or not, James’ comments certainly make it sound as if he is upset with Morey for inconveniencing him and the rest of the NBA for tweeting about Hong Kong when he did and possibly damaging the league’s business interests there.
For a guy who is supposed to be taken seriously when it comes to social justice issues, it’s not a great look.
As such, he’s taken a lot of heat on social media.
Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, was among those who weighed in on Twitter: “It’s sad to see him join the chorus kowtowing to Communist China & putting profits over human rights for #HongKong.”
Senator Ben Sasse, a Republican from Nebraska, said the NBA star was “parroting communist propaganda.”
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