If you have followed the Colin Kaepernick story closely and objectively, I don’t have to waste any time explaining what is going on and, more importantly, what is at stake. His protest related to the social injustice that many in our country face each day has been both compelling and surprising, depending on which side of the aisle one is on. For the record, and in the interest of complete disclosure, I’m appalled at what transpires in this country and in our local community (anyone remember Aaron Bailey?) and I fully support every individual (not just athletes) who has the courage and resolve to speak out for change and draw attention to the systemic and malignant problems that exist.
In recent days, a voice that is globally recognized in the sporting world spoke out against the vile and inappropriate rhetoric that continues to spew from the Twitter feed connected to Donald Trump and, in the process, sent a shot across the bow to Washington, D.C., that undoubtedly shook the current occupant of the Oval Office in a way that could be felt both in his swanky members-only golf club and among his beloved social media audience. That voice belongs to one Lebron Raymone James, and as the most recognized athlete in the world, the clout he carries is immeasurable and has an impact far beyond the basketball court.
James took exception to Trump’s insidious withdrawal of the welcome mat at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. for Stephen Curry of the world champion Golden State Warriors, calling Trump a bum in the process. I found his remarks to be spot on, and there is no doubt about just how much impact his stance will have in terms of unifying athletes further in this cause that, to the chagrin of politicians and the NFL, has picked up some serious steam in the past several days. While I do not know James well, I have had the privilege of speaking to him on behalf of the Indianapolis Recorder on more than one occasion. Our conversations have been limited to the NBA Players Association and how the CBA negotiations will impact those who will come behind him. He was beyond engaging and seemed both surprised and pleased that I would broach the subject with him. From those conversations and from countless other times I’ve analyzed what this gentlemen has had to say about our country and its deplorable record in terms of race relations, it’s crystal clear to me that beyond the ultra heavyweight status as the greatest basketball player in the world is an intelligent, relevant voice that will not be disregarded or silenced.
Let’s take the gloves off here and talk in real terms. A lot of people in this country are extremely uncomfortable about an African-American man calling the president of the United States a bum. That’s still unacceptable in terms of the respect that is “expected” to be granted to the office. Forget that Barack Obama received very little (if any) of the respect he deserved, as that’s all in the rearview mirror now, right? Hardly. When James uses his platform to denounce Trump for calling those who protest silently and peacefully SOBs, he speaks for millions of people in this country and beyond. By putting his well solidified business image to the side and taking Trump head-on, he not only sends a profound message to the president, but he also sets the tone for the movement, adding greater stability and an infusion of solidarity.
James proved that you don’t have to be on an NFL sideline to take stock in what’s going on and to join the fray. Sure, I can see why you would say he’s financially secure and has nothing to risk or, for that matter, lose. That’s poppycock. Everything he has worked for in terms of his brand is subject to scrutiny with that tweet to Trump, but clearly he doesn’t care. That’s beyond having one’s priorities straight and clearly the type of shot Trump wasn’t expecting after conducting another hilarious rally, this time in Alabama, during which he called for the dismissal of any player who kneels during the national anthem. It’s also not James’ first rodeo, as he used his platform years ago to protest the brutal murder of Trayvon Martin. By donning a hoodie during his tenure with the Miami Heat, James sent a rocket to those who botched that case and reminded us all just how horrific it is that a racist can kill a young African-American man without being punished.
Clearly, Trump’s ludicrous statements also traumatized those in the ranks of NFL ownership, and they, too, came out in numbers to show support to the players this past week in NFL stadiums across the country. While that is significant and overdue, it’s also hypocritical, as many of them have colluded to keep Kaepernick unemployed.
Those atrocities aside, it is James who now has our attention by calling out Trump and his deranged approach to equality. There’s a reason those with vast influence are coined heavy hitters, and James showed us that last weekend. The real question is, how will the millions who look up to him react? Hopefully they’ll all join the march and, in the process, help foster the long-overdue change.
Danny Bridges, who feels what Lebron James tweeted to Donald Trump is the greatest accomplishment of James’ career, can be reached for comment at (317) 370-8447 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
