I don't like LeBron.
I think that his statement was mostly commercial.
However, what gives him or anyone else in America the right to comment on other countries' domestic affairs by supporting/not supporting the protest/riot (depends on your POV)?
It’s all about the money, how rich can they get. No longer a Laker fan!
3
James is not someone I’d want my kids to emulate as his true colors just popped out of his mouth. Where have I heard this before, It’s about the Benjimans baby.
1
Lebron! Why’d you make it so easy for me to agree with Ann Coulter when she said ‘shut up and dribble’?
5
It's bad enough that China suppresses free expression in their own county. Now we see that they can suppress it in our country and other countries outside their borders. I doubt Morey's tweet would have had any impact, had China not reacted so strongly. Employing their hyper sensitivity to intimidate anyone from voicing even mild criticism reflects poorly on the CCP. Any interest I had in visiting China has vanished.
2
Many comments here indeed show a lot of ignorance about China and HK. Thinking in terms of concepts like freedom, democracy vs totalitarianism is gratifying, but they are detached from the actual people involved. By framing issues in the abstract and dehumanize the people involved, there is a great danger of waging an ideological battle and physical conflicts with no regard to the cost in human life and suffering. When the US went into Iraq, Libya, and Syria, it was always to support freedom and democracy and to topple a dictator killing its own people. But how many people have actually died after American intervention? Ten times and more. Yet, American media and public have felt no pain of the sufferings they have helped cause, neither have they reflected on their own role in leading to these humanitarian disasters. Le Bron James is right that many people are ignorant of what is happening in HK and China. Shops are being vandalised because they are either affiliated with Chinese businesses or they expressed disapproval of the vandalism. People are being harassed on the street for speaking mandarins. Counter-protestors are beaten up for just saying “we’re all Chinese”. A police had his neck slashed from behind with box cutter by a 18 year high school student. A homemade bomb was just used to target police. The scenes of the mob with masks on a rampage eerily resemble the scenes from the recent movie Joker. This is the backdrop that most people are not aware.
6
He has a right to his opinion it's just that he is wrong!
You can support freedom, or you can support profit. This idea that we should all bow down to Chinese censors is both disgusting and very telling of how far America is off of the right track. All the money in the world can't pay for all of the American's who have given the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms including our freedom of speech. Shame on those that would sell our rights to whom have effectively become their Chinese owners...
6
Let’s see: a millionaire basketball player who makes tons of money from both American and Chinese markets states he is always nicely treated by the Chinese. Does he not even wonder why?
It is money over caring about others’ freedom that makes it all so sickening. For one, as a past 3 decade season NBA team ticket holder, I got tired of it morphing into a business coating itself into a sport. I rarely watch games anymore. And for sure I will never watch a game James is in.
He, unfortunately, is the poster child of feeling entitled to adoration of fans without demonstrating he is a real role model for our youth. instead he is the opposite. The model of what all the money can buy.
29
@Teacher at least people like Martin shkreli are not two-faced about their greed and pretend they have standards
1
Also, you should know that the Chinese people don’t have free access to internet. The gov controls what kind of knowledge to give its own citizens. People cannot even surf online for hot political topic that may interest the people. That is the loss of freedom, the loss of mental power that can ignite positive changes for the country. China doesn’t want you to have any personal power through individual thinking but they want to put your mind into their cage so you will never be free. America, however, embraces diversity. You can agree to disagree. You can have diversity within unity. This is what makes us creative and individualistic, that our identity can be intact and not to be eroded by the gov who wants to mind control you.
2
Question for LeBron ... Hong Kong protests have any similarity to civil rights protests of 1960's?
8
Wow. Talk about a hyper-sensitive country. One Tweet from one guy and the Chinese are all in a tizzy. No need for sophisticated cyber warfare, just say Hong Kong in a bunch of Tweets and China would become Isolationist.
3
LeBron is as entitled to his opinion as Morey. I'm not sure either qualify as terribly relevant or interesting. I do have a reasonable opinion myself about who is acting as a petty shill and who is on this side of those working for a better world.
there is a reason why the world resents the half-thought out proclamations from us celebrity culture.
12
What happens to you, LeBron James? You are the son of America, being raised with the ideals of freedom and human right, and democracy. Have you sold your soul to your Chinese sponsors? Aren’t you educated enough to realize that there were 2 million people protested about the extradition because of the lack of rule of law in China? Communist China is not a reliable government. Don’t lean on them. They only want to use money to bribe your mind to get you to say what they want while at the same time numb your conscience. Money is not the most important thing in the world. Conscience and integrity and a sense of decency are. Aren’t you educated enough that China is run by tyrants (I call them thugs) who bully people?
5
His statements are so hypocritical. Clearly the only lives that matter are the lives and movements that allow him to pad his pockets.
7
Well, whatever your position say it loudly and proudly. Whenever you pick a side you will get opposition. The way things have worked since time immemorial.
1
LeBron is a hero of mine but I'm afraid he is flat out wrong! LeBron is an important leader in our country soI hope that before long he avails himself of the history behind this issue. Castigating support of Democracy is just not okay. The matter goes well beyond sports and expediency for the sake of the (billions) dollar.
2
I've always admired James and Kerr, and ama GS Warriors fan. But this episode has really soured me on the NBA. The issues are complex, but not that complex. Ameica used to be a country that stood up against gulags, reducation camps, restrictions on free speech and oppression. China practices all of these.
Many U.S. companies ( amd individuals) have abandoned thes principles and not only adhered to China restrictive laws, but in may cases, suchas Googel and Yahoo, actively participated in and facillitated the government's repression against non violent dissenters.
I realize that most NBA players were born after Tianamen Square or too young to remember it. But thus far not one tank man has emerged from these extraordinarily tall, talented, wealthy men.
To paraphrase the late Congressman Tom Lantos who opined at a hearing on Yahoo Founder Jerry Yang's decision to allow his company to surrender the IP addresses of non-violent dissidents who sent emails out on the anniversary of Tianamen Square (who were subsequently tortured and sentenced to ten years in prison) the NBA's response is "morally small."
4
@rb sorry about all the typos, issues with my old ipad..
Wow, LeBron may have some small point in the physical danger the original tweet may have posed, but why does it feel like he's more interested in the financial ramifications than in human rights? Disappointed in James criticizing an advocate of freedom for Hong Kong and for China.
9
LeBron correctly recognized that to do business in The Center of Everything ("China" in Chinese), we must adhere strictly to the Center's Social Credit System wherever we are in the world. As must our customers and suppliers.
We must all focus on Xi Jinping Thought. Anything else could harm people "not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually.” The alternative, he knows, is to share the fate of the Uighurs.
3
Lebron on Twitter a year ago—“Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere- Our Lives Begin To End The Day We Become Silent About Things That Matter”. Lebron when his pocket book might be affected—crushing free speech and allowing injustice for a billion is ok because I really need to pay for the upkeep on my two mansions in LA.
Can we stop looking to celebrities as paradigms of moral justice and good living? They care about themselves. They speak out when they think it will benefit them in some way. They stay silent when it will benefit them in some way. Lebron has no issue with children being paid pennies an hour to make his signature shoe that is then sold for over $100 a pair. He has no problem with the crushing of dissent in China. Why should I take him seriously when he opines on, for example, police killings? No one should.
16
This is the good thing about real freedom of speech. Whether a person is right or wrong is all in the mind of the beholder. We have free speech, China certainly doesn’t. They are a most oppressive country. No real freedoms. People in Hong Kong are trying to retain some ( and, yes, I have many friends there). It would be great if everyone who spoke out on issues like this really knew all that is going on , but they often don’t. However, that is another side of free speech.
1
It’s funny that most people who left comments here have selective freedom of speech syndrome. While Morey is supported for speaking his mind, somehow LeBron can’t have his right to speak just because he didn’t say things people like here. Also how much do people know about Hong Kong protests or about China to give them the confidence to support Hong Kong protests. Have you seen the violence there? Have talked to not just people in Hong Kong but also people in China? What if you are all wrong?
1
@James Li
Dear James Li,
As you will have noticed Mr. James was not hauled off to a re-education camp. He is at his palace wherever it is in comfort far from the madding crowd.
However, he is being excoriated for his vocal condemnation of civil rights injustices in the US but then for a buck he will defend a Chinese regime that is as Mr. Jiang said today is ready to "...crush the bodies and bones..." of the Hong Kong Protesters.
Lebron can say anything he wants to and we can all call him out for his hypocrisy. That's America, but it certainly isn't China.
9
We will be sure to engage in self-criticism at a concentration camp in Xinjiang as we focus on “Xi Jinping Thought” (whatever that is — what a joke). Then we can parrot the propaganda of a brutal dictatorship like you.
3
Let the whole NBA/China fiasco be a lesson to everyone: next time you’re tempted to take to twitter or Facebook to praise some corporation for having a “woke” or socially progressive message, just remember they are *only* doing it because they think it will make them money. As soon as it becomes unprofitable to have a “woke” message, they will sell out the cause faster than you can blink.
8
Lebron James’ concern for his safety is valid but his contention that Morey was not thinking about others is bizarre. I guess he doesn’t see the Hong Kong protesters as people to be concerned about.
5
What it all comes down to is that this is what happens when you do business with tyrannical regimes. It is inherently compromising because they are never content to just do business but will always seek to preserve their power at all costs. When you do business with them maybe you like to think that your values might influence them while enhancing your bottom line but it rarely works that way.
11
Leave Lebron alone.
His message is that the game of basketball is a way to bring peace to two very important nations.
It's not Lebron's job to tell the Chinese government how to act. Here in the U.S. we lock up more people per capita than any other nation on top of many other atrocities, so we, as Americans, can't speak from a place of moral superiority.
4
Actually, that’s not what James said. He outright accused Morey of being ignorant and then walked it back by trying to say that he was merely upset that Morey’s tweet cost James and the rest of the NBA a lot of money.
And if you think the US is on the same level as China when it comes to human rights, think again.
12
Let's try this on for size. If a country is a threat to harm “So many people"..."not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually.” over a tweet. Over a man expressing his belief in Democracy. Then maybe you shouldn't be doing business there. It's really not complicated.
21
I support the rights of players and execs to speak out about politics, social justice and other serious issues - I am not a "just throw the ball/just sing your songs/etc." person. I also support the rights of people who lack access to the huge media platforms these industries provide to disagree, even to the point of organizing boycotts. You utilize the tools available to make your point.
It angers me when people who have taken full advantage of their own megaphones to promote the causes they are passionate about then try to suppress others from making their cases. James should have sidestepped the controversy or provide support for Morey's right to state his opinion. Instead, in a naked money play, James basically stated that Morey should not speak about contentious issues that James does not follow in depth. Seriously: James said he does not know enough about the issues in Hong Kong to weigh in, yet he does not think that Morey should have weighed in simply because a tyrannical regime with a lot of money said so. By his own admission, James is doing what he is told by people using their power to oppress, and he is way too smart for that to be the result of anything but business interest. Use your powerful voice for good, LeBron.
9
Judging from James' comments, my bet is that Daryl Morey knows a lot more about the HK protests than he does.
16
Yeah, when youu get paid hundreds of milllions to play a game, democracy vs autocracy can seem like a game too.
11
Wow, it’s almost as if a basketball superstar’s specialty is basketball, and not geopolitics.
4
What a turn-off! A multi-millionaire many times over, a businessman-athlete with world-wide name recognition defends, by slamming a critic, a repressive government in whose country he is making tons of more money.
18
Who does he think he is: Apple?
2
I recall Lebron playing an important role in ousting Donald Sterling from the NBA for the hideous crime of being overheard saying stupid things to his girlfriend on the telephone.
Now he is placing his business interests over the desire of the Hong Kong protesters to maintain their freedoms.
I don’t look to him for advice or political guidance.
16
Let me make it simpler then.
Lebron saw trump having so much fun and making money being a traitor he thought he would try it too.
The CCP is evil there is no justification for doing any business with it at all.
9
Why do we go to athletes and reality tv show hosts for political and social guidance.
Americans need to grow up. The need to be constantly entertained has given us Trump and NBA diplomats.
It’s ridiculous.
6
@Practical Thoughts
Ask the Times. I read a story just two weeks ago about how enlightened the NBA is compared to other organizations.
2
If we do not stand up for free speech what is our country all about?
6
James and Hardin are going Yuan and Yuan...
1
I guess LeBron prefers Chinese money to American democracy.
10
As George Carlin said, "It's a big club, and you aint in it". James is now in the club. It doesn't matter what your background was, your race, religion, where you went to school, or even how you made your money, but once you've amassed the money and fame, you've been inducted and that's where your loyalties lie. Why should we be surprised? Obama, despite the expectations he had played on during his campaign, quickly gave away the store to Wall Street, and was not out of office two weeks before he was shooting a series of selfies on his "billionaires tour".
7
"I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke," James said, referring to Morey. "So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually."
Was LeBron sitting at a lunch counter in Greensboro, NC when he made that statement?
12
“Yes, we do all have freedom of speech,” James said. “But at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re thinking about yourself.”
Sadly, LeBron James is not thinking about those living under a totalitarian regime -- only himself.
Being in China Mr. James felt he was in danger "physically, emotionally, spiritually". Yet he could and did return home. The Hong Kong protesters feel the same dangers -- some have even been harmed "physically, emotionally, spiritually" -- except they are home.
14
clearly LeBron is no Colin Kaepernick. more in the mode of Michael and Tiger. It's all about the Benjamins.
17
So, Lebron James says that he does not know enough about the political situation in China or in Hong Kong to offer an informed opinion about that, but the DOES know enough to say that Daryl Morey was misinformed. Now, mind you, not misinformed about Hong Kong, but misinformed about the potential impact on Lebron James' financial interests in selling jerseys and shoes through sponsors.
James is entitled to be the selfish guy he apparently is. Free speech!
19
China has the ability to censor globally...and American corporations are proud to enable it.
6
Lebron and the NBA are on the wrong side of history - kowtowing to a repressive, authoritarian regime to enhance their bottom line. The people of China are not allowed to stray from the government line or they have a very bad 'social credit score' which denies them freedoms, imprisonment or worse. No discussions allowed of human rights- no Black Lives Matter no MeToo. The people of Hong Kong are fighting hard for their freedoms.
As a long time NBA fan - I am ashamed and disappointment. All the excitement about this season is gone. I'm not watching.
And BTW Lebron and others who freely voice their opinions on important matters here in states. I think twice about that - your moral authority have vanished in a few tweets.
19
James was right and you have to pay respect to a host country when you play there. As an American, how much do you know about China and Hong Kong to give you the confidence to speak about the matter? The world is littered with failed examples of American democracy at work turned disasters. Let Chinese people and Hong Kong people figure out themselves how to live their lives. Take care of America’s own problems yourself first: gun violence, military blunder all over the world, failed democracy etc.
3
How about we demand that China honor the treaty obligations they agreed to upon return of the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong to Chinese control? Can Beijing even honor its treaty obligations to the people of Hong Kong to maintain their separate system of governance until 2049?
I guess not. Small wonder the people of Hong Kong protest. I support them wholeheartedly. Semper sic tyrannis. Translate that Beijing agent provocateur.
2
Words are informative and what was James’ first concern says everything about where his values are. “So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but......” Enjoy your money.
13
Hmmm. Me thinks someone other than just Morey failed to consider all the consequences of their tweet.
13
I’m usually supportive of James but not this time. There’s no defending China and their repressive regime that denies freedom. His privilege is glaring.
17
I'm very disappointed in LeBron. He is better off saying nothing than throwing his support to the repressive Chinese regime. His money is secure but his reputation is not. He may regret having taken this position.
13
Can't wait for the South Park episode: Dennis Rodman best friends with little kim and LeBron with winnie the pooh.
9
I believe Mr. James is the one misinformed. A person should be able to laud the people of China and free to make honest criticisms of it's government. If you are not able to do that, you are standing in a dictatorship and no American should be comfortable with that fact.
15
By extension, I guess LeBron would say the many thousands of protesters are also misinformed? Textbook gaslighting.
8
Lots of easily available information out there with which to inform oneself. Either the Hong Kong protesters are standing up for their inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness or they are terrorists. Who's side are you on, LBJ?
9
There is no real player safety issue about China's reaction. Remember it's a police state. Safer for LeBron there than in LA. It's all about money.
9
@David I'm curious as to how much of China LeBron has seen. He's been there a number of times, but has he been out to the provinces, to the various rural night markets? Or has he just been to the big cities, shuttling between luxury hotels and arenas? It's almost like visiting Los Angeles and New York and thinking you've seen America.
7
James is now, James Inc and like most corporations, only think ayhis bottom line. How many US corporations came out in support of the Hong Kong protesters. Apple a company worth trillion bowed to China by removing an App.
LeBron James is being an American businessman. No one blamed Tim Cook for prioritizing Apple bottom line.
5
LeBron was humble and to the point. He prefaced his comments with the need to learn more about the situation and then he pivoted to the role of basketball connecting people from around the world. Hong Kong situation IS a sensitive question, and it's probably not well-advised to send off tweets on the topic unless you're willing to openly and vigorously defend your viewpoints. If Daryl Morey feels so passionate about HK, he should speak it like he means it. LeBron is simply pointing to facts when he says Morey wasn't educated about the issue: Morey himself apologized for his tweet and stated that he did not "hear and consider other perspectives." Daryl Morey is a Northwestern and MIT-educated multi-millionaire: he can defend his own beliefs and positions.
5
Nope, it was a cowardly thing to do
10
LeBron's endorsement of Beijing's craven bullying is worrisome. Like most Americans, even those with college degrees, he has a limited understanding of geopolitical history. But the support of efforts to silence an American on a platform that most in China aren't even permitted to use is a disgraceful exercise in appeasment. Are ethnic cleansing in Tibet and Xinjiang okay too, or can one claim to not know much about it?
The Chinese owner of the Brooklyn franchise correctly lent some necessary context, including a short history of Western imperialism during the "century of humiliation." However, not every criticism from those in Western democracies is an act of aggression. Free speech by private actors in representative governments serves to inform government debate and policy and is enshrined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights in Article 19: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
The NBA's experience here is a warning to every business that wants to engage in a market that is utlimately governed by a politburo of wealthy authoritarians. Inviting money that is tied to Beijing comes with the sacrifice of operational autonomy and, ultimately, human dignity.
16
Why do people care what athletes (or celebrities in general) have to say anyway?
Does anyone really think that Lebron is "educated on the situation at hand"?
27
If memory serves he also managed to avoid hurting the brand when it came to Darfur some years back.
It is disappointing. If you only care about human rights in some cases and not others you look less humanitarian and more self-interested.
16
The PRC is a gross human rights abuser, any comparison the the US is absurd and self-serving. I don't expect professional athletes to stand up for justice at any great expense to themselves. But I have no use for anyone who claims to stand for justice but then actively criticizes others to protect their own fortunes. Two things are clear. First, it is safe to criticize the US while it is not safe to criticize the PRC. Second, there are many Americans who stand to profit from or in the PRC who understand this and are willing to kowtow.
56
money, money, money, money...I'm embarrassed by the way our country is forced to kowtow to the chinese government just so we can take some of their money. in the end, money is all we care about...
24
I *think* what LeBron was trying to say is that the tweet endangered the travel status of NBA players in China at the time it was made, as they could have been detained.
Could've been a lot clearer on that.
6
@Bryan
They would never have threatened NBA players. It’s all about the money for the NBA.
5
The people in Hong Kong only want what we in America take for granted every day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfKB0A29aRI And unlike most of us, they are willing to put their lives at risk to try to attain it. Morey wrote what he did and nobody in the NBA or anywhere else had to disavow that. Truth to power, except where it hurts business? I guess so.
9
LeBron's safety was never threatened; his income was.
39
Lebron, I thought we agreed that Dennis Rodman would be our liaison with totalitarian communism?
38
Why are we apologizing for China's tyrannical government? Look at the brave hundreds of thousands souls in Hong Kong! They are activists fighting for freedom against the Chinese trying to rule them. I say China owes the people of Hong Kong and America an apology!
6
This is a misleading and frustrating headline and start to the article. I shouldn’t have to read half the article to finally understand that he was basically concerned about his safety. He wasn’t commenting on China or HK. Please provide accurate context early. You are better than this.
3
Nah, he backtracks to rewrite the narrative - but he plainly mentioned the financial implications first as his top concern.
6
Selling sneakers is obviously more important to Mr. James than basic human rights. Which shouldn’t surprise anyone.
25
King James's visibility, coupled with his breath-taking ignorance of the facts and obvious economic motives, make him a dangerously ill-informed "influencer" vis-a-vis followers with a shallow understanding of the democratic values at stake. It's a shocking example of how "privilege," which necessarily accompanies wealth and celebrity, can disqualify a potentially important international spokesperson.
22
it's LBJ that needs to educate himself about China, the protest movement in HK and PRC persecution of the ethnic minorities. it is LBJ's statements that are uneducated -- as he admitted when he opened his mouth again and confessed he was not talking about substance. so all he was saying is don't do it while i'm playing ball over there. weak.
17
I am disappointed in LeBron here.
His obvious financial interest in China has biased his opinion.
20
Don’t we all do business with China? We all support their human rights abuses because we want cheap clothes, phones, TVs. Is basketball the only one doing it for the money?
6
@Mark S
Time to put our money where our mouths are.
This may be the start of a movement to slowly wean ourselves off of "Made in China." The Chinese have already started: https://www.wsj.com/articles/america-is-losing-the-chinese-shopper-11570852805
Silence is Acceptance
Okay another reason to root against the Lakers
11
His comments lack any empathy, much less logical connections...sounds familiar.
9
Which side would Martin Luther King take. Freedom or money?
16
Lebron, not as woke as he seemed.
25
How thoughtless of Morey thinking about and supporting people fighting and putting their lives on the line to retain their limited freedoms and not considering all the $$$ the NBA and players might loose. His utter disregard to all the corporate money that might be lost is so selfish. How does this guy sleep at night knowing these billionaires have lost a few million?
21
I agree with you except for the amount of money you mention. 10s of billions of dollars or more are at stake.
China is a totalitarian state. And its ability to oppress its
people or exterminate minorities is growing. Americans
who speak out against China should be applauded.
Mr James is a super rich celebrity whose athletic talent
and fan base gives him a bully pulpit. He deserves scorn
and criticism for his comments. He remains a great ball
player so he will always have that.
12
It's time to boycott the NBA. Just switch over to the NFL and hockey.
9
Seriously—-switch to NFL!? We gave up that violent sport years ago—along with boxing—save our kids—give it up yourself.
1
@Grace
Especially avoid the Lakers.
1
A setback for civil rights. Disgusting. Boycott the NBA then we may see a different tune out of these greedy privileged millionaires.
21
Look no further than the uniform number, 23, that LeBron James wears in honor of his idol, Michael Jordan. As Mr. Jordan refused to stand up for social and political progress in America because "Republicans buy shoes," so Mr. James refuses to stand up for social and political progress in Hong Kong because the PRC is a big shoe market.
Mr. James is not alone. The entire NBA has lost the right to claim moral high ground on any issue.
In February the NBA will ostentatiously celebrate Black History Month, including many salutes to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Meanwhile the NBA shuts its eyes and ears to Dr. King's fundamental principle: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
37
Lebron was absolutely right, having free speech means there are negative consequences sometimes. Publicly siding with the Chinese government over the people of Hong Kong will have negative consequences for Lebron in this country and in Asia. Should be an interesting start to the NBA season for him and the Lakers.
8
Thing is, in order to sell sports merchandise Lebron and Nike have been marketing Lebron’s values just as much as his athletic ability which, IMO, makes the criticism he is experiencing right now completely fair.
Also, how doesn’t he understand that the “yeah we do have free speech but there’s a time and place and you must consider the ramifications” is the exact thing that people said to Kaepernick? What Kaepernick did also had a potential to cause financial harm to a lot of people, would Lebron be as supportive if he was one of them?
303
@Stefan
Agree. I think we can dispose of the false narrative that the NBA is some moral “woke” league. Yes, they stand up to Trump and Fox News (which they should), but there is no risk posed by doing that. In major cities and the capitalistic circles the NBA is in, standing up to Trump gains the league admiration, fans, and yes, greater revenue.
Now, at the first point the league and its players are asked to sacrifice something for social justice, they are at best silent, and at worst affirmatively licking the boots of an authoritarian regime. And that’s fine. If you are cold, hard capitalists, just say so. But don’t then try to sell us a brand image that you give one whit about social justice or human rights.
70
The NBA as a league, including many of its owners and many of its players, and especially its commissioner Adam Silver, are enemies of freedom of speech. Silver hypocritically presents himself falsely now as a defender of free speech but in reality he only defends freedom of speech when the speech is politically correct. At least LeBron James is honest enough to make it obvious that he is driven by money and readily opposes everyone having freedom of speech in order to get more of it.
Silver, the league, the owners, and the players previously clearly demonstrated their opposition to freedom of speech when they organized punishment of Donald Sterling for making politically incorrect speech even though the speech they punished him for was made in private.
9
Oh, good grief. LeBron needs to stay clear of this as it’s a no-win situation for him and any American. Who’s advising him?
1
As Wu Tang once said: Cash Rules Everything Around Me. China knows that the NBA is no there for US Chinese cultural exchanges. It's all about the Benjamins. And Le Bron personified this perfectly. As he said, “So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually.” Notice how "financially" is first.
10
The NBA has been courting China for decades, despite their abysmal human rights record. They've received zero mainstream criticism for doing so. Yet, the public is incredibly quick to throw tomatoes at LeBron for reacting to a tweet. Where is the NBA leadership? Where has it been?
3
Daryl Morey was in fact misinformed. He thought human rights were important, maybe even more so than money. Thank you, LeBron, for setting him straight.
48
So he was afraid for his spiritual well being? Maybe he should reconsider his work in China. That should help with his spiritual well being. It’s not like he’s starving and has no choice.
7
Just some historical musing, but it makes you wonder if the NBA was as big as it is today in the 1930's, if the Olympics had basketball and allowed pro athletes, how he would feel about playing in an (alternate) Berlin olympics, where the Germans loved basketball, etc....(obviously this is stretching it, given Germans would not see an NBA that is like 95% African American as a good thing).....
And is it about money? Yes. All Le Bron had to say was "I respect what Daryl said, he spoke to what he believes, and I support his right to say it, whether I agree with it or not". He didn't , he criticized Morey for being ill informed (and then said when asked what he thought, said "I don't know"..like, dude, how do you criticize someone for being ill informed when you don't even have an opinion or view? )and then whined about 'consequences", which primarily I am sure would be his cut of Nike shoe sales and Jersey sales in China (I speak from experience, Chinese fans gobble up anything Lebron).
3
The NBA should be ashamed of supporting repressive regimes. African American players should be especially opposed to the China regime. LeBron should be ashamed. If NBA players don’t feel safe in China, they should hop in their private jets and come home.
13
Gov. Rick Scott made his fortune in the US health care industry where profits are not just more important than human rights, but also more important than human health.
Mr. James is exactly right.
His team and the Nets were in China, to play a NBA game at the League's direction.
That is not the time for a senior NBA team official, safely relaxing in the US, to come out in support for violent protests involving the country Mr. James' team and the Nets were visiting to play.
If Daryl Morey or others want to show their activism, they can easily pick a time different from when players from their league (doing what the League demands of them to fly to another country to play) are abroad in the country that is the target of their criticism.
The violent protests in Hong Kong have been going on for some time. Why didn't Morey open his mouth earlier? Or keep it shut till the Lakers and Nets were back home?
What James is asking of Morey is easily done. It inures to the safety and benefit of very high profile NBA players doing the League's bidding. And it is reckless and foolhardy of Morey and others to pretend otherwise. Mr. James and his fellow NBA players deserve just as much protection and discretion as anyone else - not less simply because they're very rich (or, wait a minute, I forgot, most of them are black).
2
Shameful but not surprising. People give athletes a lot of credit for "speaking out against social injustice" as though it's not 99% self serving and they are more than willing to be on the wrong side of history if it benefits them. LeBron was worried speaking out against injustice put him in jeopardy? The fact is if the Chinese government lay a hand of him they would be hated a zillion times more then they currently are for their brutality against the Hong Kong protesters, detention of millions of Muslims, slave labor, etc.
He is not willing to be inconvenienced for others. But let athletes take a similar stance when weighing whether to back him up over the issues that he feels oppressed by...
4
I have enormous admiration for LeBron James. I admired the Miami Heat for wearing hoodies after Trayvon Martin was shot to death. But I cannot help noting that James is quick to speak out about racial discrimination here in the U.S., but then pleads ignorance or even condones one of the most repressive regimes on earth.
19
Le Bron claims not to understand the situation in China, yet he has been outspoken about racial justice.....on top of the situation in Hong Kong, which is about China going back on its word in terms of autonomy there and putting the same silicon curtain around Hong Kong as the already have in mainland China, the Chinese are also suppressing ethnic minorities in China, non Han Chinese, the Chinese muslims, are all being repressed, yet I guess he doesn't have enough curiosity to actually learn about what HE is talking about.
Not surprising, pressing for civil rights issues in the US is a win win for him, he appears to be a leader, he appears to be at the head of the curve (and I think his concerns have been genuine and he cares, his charitable work and such demonstrates that), but it is also a win because he knows his stands will cost him little personally, because the NBA is so much more diverse than let's say the NFL. NBA fans see someone like Le Bron speaking out as something he should do, when he condemns the cops shooting black men, decries the racism of a Donald Trump and so forth, in the NFL a lot of the fan base would tell him to shut up and play, that what does a guy making 10's of millions have to complain about (and probably even more so with major league baseball). LeBron could defend Colin Kapernick because he was in the NBA that cheered that. It doesn't take a lot of courage to take a stand that doesn't affect you personally, it does when it does.
3
If China is as welcoming as Mr James says, how could someone there to play basketball be endangered by a tweet?
16
I am thoroughly disappointed in Lebron’s initial statement, his clean up one and the news conference he held before the pre-season game with the Warriors. He is fast becoming the Jay Z of the NBA, money, greed over anything. It is becoming harder and harder to watch any organized team sport. The NFL will not even look towards Kaepernick because he believed in something and was willing to sacrifice everything. MLK said an “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Lebron promotes himself as more than an athlete; while he was in China last week, his twitter and Instagram accounts proudly showed him in his #morethananathlete hoodie. Being more than an athlete requires one to stand up for injustices, inequalities not only here in the USA but around the world. Hello Dr. John Carlos-1968 Olympics. LeBron started his I promise school last year in Akron. Did he promise his students he would sell his talent, soul to the highest bidder? Lebron needs to study the history of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and I would be happy to give him a history lesson. My black life matters and so does the lives of those not on the mainland of China. I support Hong Kong in their liberation struggle.
12
Et tu, LeBron?
8
Lebron James is but the latest example of the maxim that no amount of money can buy love, health or courage.
8
It's sort of sad. I hope Mr. James understands that many of his fans are going to be on the younger side of the bell curve. As such, they are more likely to stand with HK than with money. What he said is going to be disappointing to many of them.
I am sure he has learned something from this. Give him a break. I think he means well.
2
The motivation of greed never ceases to amaze me.
13
Asking people to forego their freedom of speech so that the players can earn very big money safely seems wrong--as does wanting risk-free profit from engagements inside a dictatorship.
Should the owners or league should have pulled all the players out before criticizing the Chinese government? Perhaps, but ... fat chance.
4
If LeBron thinks that something as simple as a tweet in favour of free speech and democracy could jeopardize the lives of NBA players in a country they are visiting for business, perhaps they should reconsider the business they are doing in that country.
The only thing Daryl Morey was misinformed about it seems was the level of greed and hypocrisy of his colleagues.
50
@David W.
Those who focus on avarice and discount anything that might divert from that focus never see how obvious their amorality is to those who do not put avarice on a pedestal.
1
Mr. James, with all due respect, I love you as a player and you've been a good role model to youth, but you need to educate yourself about China and its brutal regime before criticizing the expressions of opinion by others as uneducated.
I have always admired how you've built an empire from nothing, but this is a teaching moment for you and, to be honest, I believe you may rise to the occasion better than most before everything is said and done.
You've been an underdog all your life. Study a little bit about the subject matter and I think you'll choose the underdogs in this battle.
6
"The Decision" t.m. was not a good one.
LeBron is making millions in China and I think we all know what he was talking about with his tweet. "Hey Morey--don't mess with my Chinese money tree."
LeBron had no trouble standing up for Colin Kaepernick and his right to free speech by taking a knee during the anthem. But then again, he doesn't earn his living from the NFL. And I guess Hong Kong citizens don't buy as many jerseys and shoes as the mainland Chinese.
12
Just another example of a rich guy worried more about himself and a bunch of other rich guys rather than on the light of democracy being extinguished
7
I learned decades ago not to place too much stock in what athletes, actors, and musicians had to say about politics. It would be nice if LeBron James knew what he was talking about and had the guts to condemn totalitarianism. Since he obviously doesn't, well, who cares what he has to say? Stick to basketball, LeBron.
10
LeBron, 3 very important words for all of us:
Freedom of speech
7
@Broz Daryl is of course entitled to say what he wants. However when you make your 800mm Chinese customers mad, one has to accept there are consequences.
Sorry to say James is so uneducated about the re-education programs that the Chinese are inflicting on people and their attempts to have "party speak" and mind control as a national policy. This will make me re-think my attendance at NBA games
8
As he smiles silently and pockets his millions upon millions!
6
LeBron is letting his wallet rule his mind...
8
Just follow the bouncing ball, ie money.
7
Morey was and is educated on the issues regarding Hong Kong and China- James isn’t.
7
I guess we now no longer can eat at Blaze Pizza and any other businesses associated with Mr. James.
4
How can anyone respect you and take you seriously when you obviously have a conflict of interests and financial interest in your endorsement deals in China? Shame.
10
Mr. James, you, and your league made a conscious decision to enter a market and country where freedom of speech does not exist, where the rule of law does not exist and where privacy, security of the person and religious freedom are virtually nonexistent. You did so purely for monetary gain. You dare to complain about a fellow American, on American soil exercising his right of free speech? It also helps that he was dead on in his “understanding” of the situation. Shame on you!
17
If LeBron James is going to defend the communist government of China, who no doubt have opened doors and markets to his team, does he also turn a blind eye to the 1.5 million Uygur in concentration camps? Is he willing to speak on that huge misery , or is he too beholden to China to comment freely?
11
Sorry we're not concerned about financial harm to ultra-rich athletes with huge security details while protesters in Hong Kong are bravely putting themselves in harm's way for democracy.
9
Hong Kong Lives Matter! (William Mok)
Or, Mr. James - do lives only matter to you when they look like you or your wallet benefits?
11
Take the measure of the man. LeBron may be filthy rich but he has never been mercenary. He has taken reduced salaries so his teammates could be paid more. His charity - both time and money - boggles the mind. And he has spoken out for justice over and over again, always on the side of the underdog.
The underdog in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong people. But in the basketball world, China is a huge underdog. And what is bad for China is bad for Chinese basketball.
Yao Ming runs Chinese basketball. That makes him a role model for LeBron. And the two have shared the spotlight, both on and off the court. LeBron is a lifelong champion of the underdog. I believe he chose to help Yao over the Hong Kong people, which was a clear error of judgement. But I am certain LeBron did not do this for money or out of fear. That is not LeBron. Take the measure of the man.
1
@michjas
Laughing so hard, I spilled my coffee.
Seriously? Not mercenary?
$450 million says otherwise.
7
I don't ever want to hear LeBron James compared to Muhammad Ali in any way, shape, or form.
Its all about the money with James.
15
LeBron,
I had so much respect for you before you made this comment....
We know the NBA has billions "riding" on this, but from a moral perspective, your point is a silly loser point to make. If you couldn't say anything authentic then just stay silent.
China's human rights violations are legion, and what they're doing in Hong Kong is what they've done in Tianamen Square, Tibet, the other central Asian provinces, etc.
Seems like your morals also has a price tag too.
12
LeBron's comments just reinforce the wisdom of keeping your mouth shut.
8
'Sure, the people of Hong Kong may lose their freedom and be subjugated to the second most repressive regime on the planet, but at least they'll be able to watch basketball. And if Rodman gets his way, the people of the most repressive regime will get to watch basketball as well.'
'What's more important--basketball or freedom?'
Mr. James clearly is the one that 'wasn't educated on the situation at hand.'
I don't know why he might think that way. Maybe he believes that the money likely to be made by the NBA in China offsets the loss of freedom in Hong Kong. I'm sure his own financial interest has nothing to do with it.
25
Perhaps the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner can be shortened for future use of the NBA.
Remove “free” and “brave”.
16
Whether Leron is a celebrity or ordinary Joe Blow, correct or incorrect, understood or misunderstood, he has a right to speak.
I gave him the benefit of the doubt that he was initially misunderstood; however, I still disagree with him.
Though I disagree with him, I do not wish to malign him.
I would, however, think otherwise if he were to repeatedly lie and trample on democratic and constitutional issues as frequently and as consistently has Trump.
5
They have no idea what they are talking about, in terms of global politics. It's only about money for those folks, and all professional sports included.
14
The king has bowed to China. It's easy for athletes to grandstand for causes in this country. I'll never take these self appointed social experts seriously, outside of their game playing. Word on the street: Don't mess with China. They are very effective in controlling speech thousands of miles from their border of American citizens.
16
When it comes to about big money, nothing is matter!
LeBron James is not the only one fears of 'financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually' being harm in China. There are numinous others share his thought. Maybe this is normal in today's world.
5
Just because LeBron speaks up about things in his own country things that he has some understanding of and connection to (Trayvon Martin, Trump, etc) doesn't mean he should also weigh in on events that are happening on the other side of the world, involving people who speak Mandarin and Cantonese and whose culture, history, values and government are so completely different from our own, is kinda silly.
I'm a political junkie with a Masters Degree and I can't tell you exactly what the protesters in Hong Kong are asking for.
Why should we expect LeBron James to have an opinion?
4
@John Is that a masters degree in political science or something political related?
Otherwise, just because you have a masters degree doesn't really mean anything.
4
@John
That’s why Mr.James’ statement was so ridiculous. He didn’t know anything about Hong Kong and China. Nobody expected him to know anything. So why did he criticize Mr. Morey? Was he just reflexively criticizing management?
3
@John He thinks we care about his opinion and he doesn't want the NBA to lose a huge market.
4
“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.” ― Upton Sinclair
In this case, LeBron James cannot see what his Chinese patrons don't want him to see.
70
@Kate Jackson - One of my favorite quotes, and it is spot on in this case.
2
Doesn't the NBA have some leverage over the China? I mean doesn't China also make a lot of money by having the NBA, who are wildly popular in China, play basketball games in their country? I can't imagine the only reason China has the NBA play in China is just to appease Chinese NBA fans and that's it. And what if the NBA says- "Ok China, if Daryl Morey's tweet offends you, and you don't want us play basketball in China, then the NBA is fine with that. We both may lose money but the NBA still plays in the US. Too bad you're missing out on that. So what are you China going to tell the NBA fans in your country why the NBA won't play there any longer?"
9
@Gaston Corteau
Totally agree. This isn't a one-way street. The NBA owns basketball. If there was another league at the NBA's level, then they should be worried. But right now the NBA is the only able to sell the product and China knows it.
5
@Gaston Corteau - you can sell a lot of shoes, especially sports shoes, especially premium price Nike brand LeBron signature sports shoes, in a country with nearly three billion feet.
commissioner silver speaks for the NBA, and he's already affirmed that individuals speak for themselves in this country, period.
who does LeBron speak for? does he speak for the NBA, for the NBA players, for the Lakers franchise, for the team players, for Nike? or is he, as the NBA approves, just speaking on his own behalf and that of his royalty stream? not too hard to figure out.
1
@drollere
We all know who James speaks for. However it's still China who took it out on the NBA. This from the LA Times-
https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2019-10-14/lakers-china-how-nba-defuse-tensions-amid-tumultuous-week
Beginning at 1:21 on the video:
"Sometimes you have to think through the things that you say..."
--His Majesty, LeBron James, 10/14/19, enlightening humanity with his wisdom and deep thoughts.
You can't make this stuff up.
17
Here comes the hypocrisy... fight the good fight at home because it is marketable and profitable. But abroad it is an entirely different story. With the threat of loosing the Chinese market so goes standing up for basic human rights.
33
Clearly, business interests drive the comments of James and Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who, during a recent press conference, implied a false equivalence between China and the US.
On the other hand, the job of a front office guy, who is unknown outside of the NBA, is to promote the business interests of his team and the NBA in general. And he clearly wasn't doing this when he shared his opinion about the courageous Hong Kong protestors.
I can't say I look for leadership on the Hong Kong matter from the Houston GM, James, or Kerr, tho I wonder whether the Houston GM sees Hong Kong as the same as apartheid S Africa or most of the beleaguered Warsaw Pact countries. Personally, I assign some weight to the fact that China ruled Hong Kong for centuries, and the recent British rule was an exercise in colonialism--tho evidently profitable also for the residents of Hong Kong.
I'd be interested in informed analysis of the parties' legal rights and duties under the China/UK agreement at the end of Britain's occupation of Hong Kong. Politically, I wish our president or at least our Congress would say something along the lines of what the Houston GM said, so as to make clear that China will pay a high cost if it blunders into Tiananmen Square II. But I guess they're too busy posturing.
So, our president is nothing more than a witless, self-absorbed disrupter, Congress is paralyzed, and the NBA is now the forum hosting a debate about the Hong Kong crisis. OK--still beats China.
2
@maqroll ,
You make a pretty good comment and I agree with most of it. I'm not on board with this, though: "...informed analysis of the parties' legal rights and duties under the China/UK agreement at the end of Britain's occupation of Hong Kong."
Governments don't get to bargain with each other over the human rights of their citizens. Those rights come from a higher authority than the venal governments of mankind. If a government bargains away the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, in my personal view it becomes an illegitimate government.
7
@Charles Becker - i think maqroll's point is that the dispute in HK originates in laws proposed by the HK authorities that, as a change to the UK treaty provisons, would give nationalist china the right to extradite dissidents or criminals and give them a taste of red guard courts and prisons.
imagine, as an analogy, that trump proposed legislation here to send "traitors and criminals" to china for trial. would you protest the law?
the argument about "a higher authority" (meaning, presumably, god) is entirely flawed. god made you, god made the bear: the bear eats you for dinner, and god doesn't mind. this is in fact why we have governments: to clothe us in manufactured legal rights that our naked divine rights are insufficient to guarantee.
Standing up for democracy in the face of tyranny. I think trump should award him a medal of freedom, just like those other great american patriots, Tiger Woods and Mariano Rivera!
5
I always thought that LeBron was intelligent, thoughtful and considerate regardless of his bravado.
Not so much anymore.
21
Lebron must be a little bit informed of the situation in China if he acknowledges players could be at personal risk because of a tweet from the US. Imagine the risk locals must be at on a daily basis.
This is becoming a master class in hubris.
18
The Houston Rockets Daryl Morey tweets, “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.” LeBron James replies, “But at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re thinking about yourself.”
It's clear here that James was thinking about himself, while Morey was thinking about the students in Hong Kong protesting in the Boston Tea Party tradition that founded our nation. Since James said he felt "threatened" by Morey's words while in China, why would he travel to such a repressive area in the first place?
25
LeBron is a private citizen and is allowed to speak out when he wants on the issues he prefers to speak out on
A lot of people are trying to force him to say things they want to hear on their own schedule, which is just as harmful to the sanctity of free speech as censorship
Perhaps if LeBron sold handbags or was the CEO of an agri-conglomerate, he could do business in China with the full support and protection of the US government and never have to answer any questions from "democracy" lovers
As for Morey, he's free to go over to Shanghai and hold a pres conference in front of the Chinese police standing with Hong Kong, but I bet he's much happier doing it from his cozy Texas penthouse
1
@Marion Grace Merriweather
But when Mr. James publicly tweets a quote from Dr. MLK Jr. (“injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”) then should he be immune from adherence to the same standards he demands of others? Dr. King certainly risked physical and financial ruin for his beliefs; Mr. James seemingly prioritizes another few centimillions of dollars over trivialities such as “speaking out about things that matter”
Mr. Morey is -like yourself - a citizen of the United States of America and protected by the First Amendment. He is free to speak out against perhaps the most brutally totalitarian and repressive regime the world has ever seen. Perhaps you should reserve your criticism for the leaders of the Chinese government who deem any criticism - even by a foreign citizen - as utterly verboten and punishable to the maximum extent.
6
@Marion Grace Merriweather Of course he is allowed to speak.........that is not the point. He is saying Morey should not speak at the same time he admits "I don't know" whether Morey was ill informed, he believed it.
4
@Marion Grace Merriweather—- The thing is, James says that Morey is not fully educated on the situation, and then admits that he can’t offer an opinion on it either. Something is left unsaid in that: Morey is not fully educated on the potential *financial costs* to the NBA — and to James — by not having a Chinese market.
It’s not a matter of him telling us what we want to hear; rather, it’s him being honest and not using a serious situation as a cover for his own self-interests.
1
Perhaps Mr. James likewise believes the protestors who've been killed and injured to date were likewise "misinformed?"
He might as well have tweeted, "Let them eat cake..."
18
@DSM
Not to mention the Hong Kong booksellers who have been "disappeared", or the million or so Uighurs in prison camps. Maybe if they were the same color as Mr. James, he'd believe that they have human rights.
6
What's really depressing is that we give so much import to what a pro basketball player thinks about this.
14
Some free advice for LeBron James:
If you've never taken a single college course in your entire life, you might not want to call someone with degrees from Northwestern and MIT "uneducated".
In fact, I don't believe anyone who actually HAS degrees from Northwestern and MIT would call a fellow alum "uneducated".
You've taken some admirable social and political stands in the past. Do those now need to be reevaluated through the prism of the almighty dollar?
14
I think LeBron was talking about the impact Mr. Morey's statement would have on people who had no input or vote on the publishing of his controversial tweet. But, that its publishing would have a significant effect on their lives: for instance, low-level employees such as concession workers. Yes, Mr. Morey has an individual right of expression, but he is also a high-level executive of an NBA franchise who has a responsibility for the welfare and financial well-being of every employee of the Houston Rockets. Moreover, Mr. Morey never wrote in his tweet that he was writing in his capacity as an individual and not as a Houston Rockets executive and that the public should not attribute anything in the tweet to the Houston Rockets or the NBA. That qualification would have immunized both organizations from the foreseeable firestorm. We all know, especially in these times, that many in public will try to tie an employer to the controversies associated directly or indirectly with their employees at the drop of a hat as Beijing did in this case. I believe this is what LeBron was making this point.
1
This is his equivalent to “shut up and dribble”. As someone who has been vocal about the ability to comment on social issues, he should never criticize someone else who does the same thing, particularly when it comes to advocating for human rights —- even when it might dent his already massive bank account.
15
It’s telling that LeBron James listed profit as his primary concern:
“ ...Not only financially...”. He accuses Mr. Morey of being uneducated in the issue at hand ? Maybe so, but at least he has a moral compass.
15
Wait, lemme guess. LeBron James doesn't have enough money.
16
Basketball Millionaires and Billionaires (in Lebron's case) could have been hurt. Morey heedlessly put Lebron and others at risk, when he selfishly supported democracy activists.
BTW, its great to see GOP Senators who think these democracy advocates deserve support. They support them just like they support the African American democracy activists, like Kaepernick, right?
11
So James says “I believe [Morey] wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke,”. Asked why he felt Morey had been ill-informed on the subject, James said: “That’s just my belief. I don’t know."
Then later James declined to offer his views of the political situation in China, saying he did not know enough about it to offer an informed opinion.
Sounds like you are the one who shouldn't be speaking LeBron.
27
LeBron blew it here. He had a chance to defend values. He didn't.
30
@Peter Lebron defended his values. The problem for him here is that a lot of (apparently adult?) people believed the brand his handlers and sponsors created around his talent is actually what he is.
1
Given that James can’t specify how Daryl Morey was “misinformed,” it seems safe to conclude that James is under-informed.
33
Oh LeBron. Don’t go there.
That position is beneath you.
I’m very sorry to hear you choose the NBA’s deals with China over the freedom fighters in Hong Kong.
15
What does Shaq think? (He’s the businessman — and a thinking man?)
2
LeBron needs to revisit the Niemoller quote prior to tweeting instead of commenting on Morey
"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."
10
This coming from the guy who wanted to trademark "Taco Tuesday." Enough said.
8
Le Bron James needs to work on his basketball and less on his international work. As an African-American,he should know know what freedom from autocracy. I guess making all that money and fame blunted his belief of freedom.
5
Lebron - Just a heads-up, #HKLivesMatter too.
13
I never would have thought that James was an NBA corporate lackey.
8
Not you too, LeBron!
5
Disgusted . What happened to civil and human rights? I guess because they are in Hong Kong or Uighur Muslim minorities in mainland China they just don’t mean as much as the billions of dollars you hope to make...
10
Lebron James: shameless corporate shill.
8
Well, NBA, at least you managed to unite the American people, right, left, and center, on one thing -- our common disdain for your hypocrisy.
14
No doubt most Chinese people like the concepts of free speech, a free press, and the kind of limited political freedom that exists in Hong Kong.
These same Chinese people believe that Hong Kong was never rightful colonial territory, and they do not want Hong Kong to become an independent city-state: for them, it is part of China.
It's complicated.
1
By turning a bumper-sticker tweet by a minor NBA team official into an international incident, China turned a molehill into a mountain. There are a couple of takeaways.
1. In its display of extreme and disproportionate sensitivity, China showed that it is deeply worried by the Hong Kong protests and their potential to spread into the rest of China.
2. China gambled that by over reacting, they could cow the NBA and, through this example, other business partners into complicity with its authoritarian policies. China won.
3. The NBA and many of its players pose as social justice warriors because it's in fashion and earns them praise. When such sentiments are meaningful is when they start to cost money. Adam Silver and Lebron James failed the test.
4. There is no reason to pay attention to anything Lebron James says unless its about basketball.
19
Elvis Presley was once asked for his opinion on the Vietnam war. He responded, in characteristically humble fashion, that he was just an entertainer, and didn't know enough about the war to use his celebrity to endorse a stance on the war. It seems like many of our modern day athletes and entertainers could learn a lot from Elvis.
21
@Middleman MD That's a cop-out. Just because you're an entertainer doesn't mean you can't educate yourself. Ali is much better in that regard.
2
@Middleman MD
With his dissembling, Elvis was saying "War Hawks buy records too."
2
@Nick
That's fine. But plenty of entertainers don't really know enough to comment in an educated fashion on political matters, while acting as though they do. Interestingly, Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park, who are close to the center of this controversy, parodied this self-important behavior among celebrities in their movie, Team America, World Police. it seems like not much has changed since the film was released.
1
LeBron, Inc. has weighed in. Morey is in the wrong for supporting the Hong Kong protestors’ fight for freedom. When an American company, like the NBA or LeBron, is engaged in profit seeking activities in an authoritarian state, like China, no representative of that company should express him/her self in a manner that could upset the leaders of the authoritarian state.
If NBA players are at risk of harm in China because of something one team manager said, then the problem is with China, not the manager.
53
Well, the NBA and its players should not stand for justice when big money is involved. If that were to happen, such things might become commonplace and then where would the NBA be?
33
It's always about money, and in the case of LeBron, he is fearful of losing some of his wealth, so money before democracy.
63
he's wrong.
love my Lebron, but this sounds... scripted
8
@Julia sounds scripted? You bet. He has a legal team around him that draft every word of his tweets.
2
I love LeBron. On and off the court he has been poised, polished, insightful and, most importantly, involved in community outreach. His detractors, such as Laura Ingraham, have failed to paint him as just a spoiled athlete. However, LeBron shot an air ball with his comment regarding Morey. Yes, I agree Morey stuck his air Nike in his mouth; however, he did champion the human rights movement that the NBA has championed for years. What's it going to be NBA? capitulate to the lucrative Chinese market, or stand up to regressive policies that restrict basic human rights.
28
@Robert Peak
"...I agree Morey stuck his air Nike in his mouth..."
Since when did simply telling the truth become sticking your foot in your mouth? We need more truth telling, not less, especially when going up against power.
9
I’d be willing to bet that James is upset because this might close a potentially lucrative market. How else to explain such an impassioned reaction, followed by the admission that he doesn’t know enough to comment specifically on the political issues?
Somehow, I can’t put him on the same plane with Colin Kapernick here.
43
@MDB
I doubt it would put a dent in his wallet, but regardless, he's 100% allowed to make those decisions. Besides, his clientele are the Chinese people, the fans who love him, not the Communist Party apparatchiks
I've asked nearly 100 people this week if they're willing to boycott China and not a single one of them could be spared the minor inconvenience
And don't even get me started on Saudi Arabia
1
LeBron should ask himself where he would be today if there was no democracy and freedom of speech in the United States.
Why would he begrudge it to others and criticize those who are courageous enough to offer their support.
He claims that the tweet could have endangered players who were currently in China. If that is true, why are we playing in a country that is not willing to respect the differences between the two countries and our willingness to speak about it.
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@Oosman Abdulla
If he could ball like he does ?
Probably in the same spot as Yao Ming - a free and very wealthy athlete
I care as much about what James has to say about China as I do about what Joe Namath has to say about nuclear physics.
We take way too seriously anything athletes have to say about anything except sports.
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@August West so...he’s not “more than an athlete”?
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The simple fact is that LeBron James is wrong. In my opinion, that's something that's not open for discussion.
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As a casual NBA fan, but a big fan of freedom and human rights I can now say that the NBA will never see any of my expendable income.
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@Nathan Detroit that's the way it should be handled.
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I truly admire LeBron as a player and a humanitarian. To say that Morey's comments were "misinformed" indicates that LeBron has an opinion on what the situation in Hong Kong is, and that opinion cannot be based on his personal experience with China which is nothing like the average citizen of Hong Kong. LeBron need to tell us his opinion or be quiet.
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Lebron is having difficulty finding a way to say "We have sold our souls to the devil but we need the jobs."
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“So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually.”
(but mostly financially)
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@Narq So standing up against injustice stops when it requires one to put themselves at risk? Tell that to Andrew Goodman.
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@Narq
It's like he doesn't understand that what's happening in HK *is* financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual harm.
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Out of context. He didn’t imply that Morey was misinformed about the Hong Kong issues, rather that he was misinformed about the ramifications of his tweet on the NBA.
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@cmb13 Being in favor of Tienanmen Square slaughter, imprisonment and murder of millions of Chinese citizens, no democratic elections, constant police and electronic surveillance, a government dedicated to graft and corruption on a scale never seen, how is that for putting James' statement in context? (And that is only the current regime).
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@cmb13
The ramifications being that the NBA's and his own ability to make money is being compromised? I think real ramifications Morey's tweet - albeit unintentionally - laid bare the hypocrisy of the NBA and no LeBron himself, whose idealism and activism seems now to be as much as a marketing position as a moral one.
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@cmb13 that's quite an act of parsing you did there
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Who's kiddin' who? James is out to protect his financial interests. “So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually.”, said James. That says it all.
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Mr. Mok pretty much encapsulates the issue. James will defend domestic activists because it costs him nothing, but ignores egregious civil rights violations abroad because there is money to be made. How disappointing.
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@Rachel Also, the domestic issues affect him. The wrongs China is committing isn't.
Disappointing but not surprising. Is he basically telling Morey to "shut up and manage" like was criticized by Laura Ingraham just a year and a half ago? She was wrong then, he is wrong now. None of us need to understand every nuance of Hong Kong's history and the current conflict to recognize injustice and the threat of totalitarianism. We should all speak out in support of Hong Kong's young people. If LeBron wants to take a position against the pro-democracy movement in HK, go for it, but don't hide behind efforts to focus our attention elsewhere.
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Sir James, Morey was thinking about the people of Hong Kong not himself, as you say, when he tweeted about the situation in Hong Kong. And I am grateful to him for getting the Chinese government’s attention on this issue.
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Americans should speak out against China's repressive regime, from our 'president' to our news coverage, to ESPN, the NBA and the players.
It's sickening that almost all public voices are mute on China's repression. We're getting the government and public figures we deserve. Shame on us.
13
Sorry LeBron, you could have "been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually.” By the comment “Fight for freedom, stand for Hong Kong.” How many people died for this believe, LeBron? People who never play a game for their livelihood. People who seat and toiled until called by their country.
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“For me personally, I’ve always been welcomed with open arms,”
Yes, because how a mega-rich superstar is treated by a totalitarian, communist regime is being "informed." Like Rodman and North Korea, all good countries because they were nice to the rich stars.
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We get it Lebron, Mr. Morey messed with your China money. It's good to know just how much that matters over freedom and democracy- the "substance" of Mr. Morey's tweet. However, you may want to take your own advice and keep quiet about this one. It's a bad look.
Hardcore basketball fans may not care but Mr. James damaged his reputation with these comments.
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This is truly sad. The NBA is showing that it only cares about social justice when it doesn’t effect their bottom line.
This is 100% about money. Not sure if LeBron really knows what’s going on there with the censorship, suppression of basic freedoms, Muslim detention camps ect. To call someone else out for not understanding the situation is truly ignorant.
Thought he (and the NBA) were better than this. Again, it’s all about the money.
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The NBA is fully supportive of social issues until it impacts their bottom line, end of story.
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And apparently LeBron James, too. He doesn’t have enough money, yet? SMH
4
Shameful how LeBron won't take a stand for rights, now that his business interests are on the line. So much for him being progressive...
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* Rumored billion dollar lifetime Nike deal
* $269 million in earnings from NBA contracts
* Sponsorship deals with Sprite and State Farm and I’m sure a ton of other companies
* HBO show, Uninterrupted Network, investments in Blaze Pizza, Beats, etc.
All these revenue streams but losing out on the China money is too scary for him. Becoming a billionaire means more to him than speaking up for human rights.
He’s done a lot of good charity work in the US and this doesn’t take that away, but he’s not an activist, he’s just another rich guy worried about his place among the 1%
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James says openly that he doesn't know anything about Morey reasons. So why is he speaking out. Looks like silly self promotion.
Does James really support Chinese suppression of democratic rights and elections in Hong Kong, rights that China agreed to 120 years ago when they took over from the British? Does James even know this history? Or is money the king of everything.
15
Not religious, but can’t think of a better quote for Mr. James (he who was quick to quote MLK Jr.) to ponder than this:
Mark 8:36 “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” - Christ of Nazareth
Mr. James - what are your thoughts on forced organ harvesting? The denial of basic human rights to billions. The forced imprisonment of millions simply for disagreeing with their government? A government that allows zero dissent?
America may be far from perfect, and Mr. Trump certainly has authoritarian tendencies, but where would you rather live Mr. James?
Now - it would be nice if the actual head of our government spoke openly in favor of democracy and freedom for all Chinese citizens.
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Lebron: "They should have thought about the poor tea merchants before they threw that tea into Boston harbor in 1773. There are consequences to your actions!"
What Lebron really meant: "Let freedom die if it means I lose money."
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@JohnBarleycorn And who could forget Patrick Henry’s plea:
“ Give me liberty or give me death, but only if it doesn’t affect my portfolio!”
5
James was 100% right the first time.
1
What ramifications of the tweet? What endangerment? Was James scared that his Chinese hosts would demote him from the hotel's penthouse suite to a plebeian room?
What he was really scared of was the negative "ramifications" of standing up for basic human rights on his already very rich and fat pockets.
17
“That’s just my belief. I don’t know. That’s my belief. That’s all I can say. I believe he was misinformed or not really educated on the situation. And if he was, then so be it.”
Sounds like LeBron James is an ill informed, undereducated 'believer' in his money.
Way to completely disgrace yourself, LeBron James.
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Lebron's hypocrisy confirms one important thing -
That he is a capitalist, and not a patriot.
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Sounds like James is ill-informed on the subject. Then again, that's just my belief. I don't know.
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'Misinformed'? Rubbish. Of course Morey knew all too well what he was doing.
You can't have business and politics on the same side when dealing with China. From that point of view, if Morey thought he would satisfy his moral and political view with that tweet, then he did well, destroying his business in the process. If he thought he would have both, political and business satisfaction, then he is not very smart.
LBJ is business-smart here, morals disregarded.
1
So, LeBron is a coward...
“I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet."
What are the consequences of remaining silent?
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If the King is genuinely worried that Morey's tweet could've resulted in physical harm to the NBA players in China, all that talk about basketball bringing people together, "open arms," etc. sounds pretty thin.
18
So Lebron,
Colin Kaepernick lost his career and with it was harmed financially, was physically threatened, and likely emotionally & spiritually affected. He heroically stood up for what was right and paid the price and still didn’t back down. So your advice to him and all other social & civil activists would be to tone it down? Lebron you’ve taken a stand on social issues in the past, I expected better from you. Our country has taken a backseat to morality for the last three years, I didn’t expect it from NBA players.
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@Jeff
Hear, hear, said it best!
9
@Jeff -- At some point people gotta put Democracy ahead of Profits. Unless they're modern-day Moscow Mitch Republicans.
10
LeBron, I must challenge your thinking here. Apparently money is still king, even over human rights.
37
LeBron is a sellout and a fake.
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Lebron should’ve gone on to play college ball and learn a thing or two about civics, democracy, and geopolitics if he chooses to wade in and pass judgement on others’ statements and viewpoints. Otherwise he’s just a bigmouth parroting Beijing talking points in order to shore up his income. And a hypocrite. A big time hypocrite.
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Another man bites the dust! Bit craven but they are following the money!
15
Simply a disgraceful and low point in the career of Lebron James. For someone to expose beliefs and claim he wants equal rights and respect for all to only then bow to the dollar and Chinese empire is pathetic. You have lost countless life long fans and now clearly show that greed trounces equality and freedom.
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What’s wrong with “Support Freedom, Stand With Hong Kong”? What education do you need to support freedom? Did James get paid off by China? Or he just brought into China’s propaganda. Why didn’t he go to Hong Kong and see it himself? That’s educating himself. Now the city is under seize by police violence and random arrest. Yes, James I totally support Black Life Matters. You need to know Hong Kongers’ life matter too!
21
If LeBron doesn’t feel financially insulated enough to stand up to totalitarian Chinese government, who is? What a missed opportunity— and a stain on the record— of one of the greatest of all time.
Hopefully he can continue to have an impact on distressed communities at home, but I can’t help but think his legacy is tarnished by his comments on issues abroad...
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James didn't do himself any favors anywhere but in China on this one. He's nothing if not a shrewd businessman, so he made a calculated decision here. We'll see how it plays out.
14
“Yes, we do all have freedom of speech,” James said. “But at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re thinking about yourself.” Asked why he felt Morey had been ill-informed on the subject, James said: “That’s just my belief. I don’t know. That’s my belief. That’s all I can say. I believe he was misinformed or not really educated on the situation. And if he was, then so be it.”
It's just as easy to turn around what James said and direct it back at him. James thinks only about HIMSELF because he's worried about HIS money. And by Morey tweeting what he did, Morey was the informed one. Morey knows what is going on in Hong Kong. James' second statement shows how misinformed HE himself actually is.
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Asked why he felt Morey had been ill-informed on the subject, James said: “That’s just my belief. I don’t know. That’s my belief. That’s all I can say. I believe he was misinformed or not really educated on the situation. And if he was, then so be it.”
Sound familiar? Trump didn't come out of nowhere. If we wish to slow -- or halt -- the slide into Trumpism, first we ALL need to stop talking in this fashion.
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@joyboy. Lebron as ignorant as the Donald? Is that possible?
4
I support compartmentalization in all humans. It provides the clarity needed to act. I also support the consciousness raising of humans when they compartmentalize. It gives the person addressed the opportunity to reflect.
The standards LeBron James applied to Daryl Morey's tweet are not the standards he would apply to Colin K's actions. "There are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you're .. thinking about yourself. (Even) if he was really educated on the situation, then so be it." I already know that he and others will cite myriad differences in the situations to deny the evident similarities between the two, and possibly attack the messenger. Those who do fundamentally do not want the two to be similar in any respect.
LeBron is far, far too knowledgeable, demonstrated on a range of occasions, to not carry some awareness of that which I write so the real question is "how he squared the circle" for himself. I do not have the answer for that one.
To say "I'm not discussing the substance" of the matter when you are LeBron James who has just weighed in on one significant aspect of the situation is clearly to have discussed the substance by your non discussion. LeBron knows where he is and is choosing for valid reasons of his own to not public his views. This can be called diplomacy or something more akin to M. Jordan's comments about sneaker buyers. Unless he speaks further we do not know.
For me, in the end, this is about human growth.
6
Athletic ability and fame give a chosen few soap boxes larger than most others can only imagine. Education allows some of those to use these platforms in an intelligent and informed way. James is apparently upset that the timing of the G.M.'s tweet cost him and his fellow players money. Some things are more important than commercial gain. One would think he might have figured that out by this point in his life.
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@Dennis W I'm concerned that you are suggesting that James' comments are a reflection of a lack of intelligence or education. Lebron has proven himself again and again to be one of the sharpest and most articulate players in professional sports, and suggesting otherwise comes off as the product of huge, problematic assumptions about him.
James is smart and knows exactly what he's doing. Education, when taught in neoliberal institutions and business schools, reinforces the same lessons that James has learned in business organically: none of us should have moral values that are immune to potential profit.
Call him out for using his platform to spread this message; don't make a weird ad hominem attack on his education just because he came into the league after HS instead of as a one-and-done.
1
@Patrick Lebron displayed his true nature in his self absorbed exit from Cleveland to Miami in his ESPN Special .... ‘The Decision’. I wasn’t impressed then and still hold that opinion. OK with me that you see it differently. Regards