LeBron slams Trump in press conference: ‘The people run this country, not him’

In the wake of Sunday’s NFL protests, NBA All-Star LeBron James spoke to press and continued his support for athletes who choose to “take a knee” during the playing of the National Anthem.

“It’s powerful what all these athletes are doing,” James said. “It’s not about the disrespect of our flag and the military that’s made this world free.”

“It’s about equality,” he added.

James said that President Trump attacks on player who kneeled left him “frustrated.”

“He used the sports platform to divide us. Sports is so amazing, what sports can do for everyone, no matter shape, size, race; brings people together like no other. I’m not going to let one individual no matter the power, the impact he or she should have ever use sport as a platform to divide us,” he said. “The people run this country, not one person. And damn sure not him.”

Although James doesn’t plan on taking a knee himself, he said that he’ll continue to support those who do.

“I’m doing okay for myself, my family is doing okay,” he said. “Even if we weren’t doing okay financially, I’d still be trying to find a way to inspire the youth. … Personally, my voice is more important than my knee.”

“I salute [Colin Kaepernick] for being as powerful as he was. I wish I owned an NFL team right now. I’d sign him today.”

Featured image via Keith Allison/NASA (Flickr)

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.