LeBron James has taken a part in being a leading voice for change in our communities alongside a handful of NBA stars, but he will not be planning to join the national anthem protest movement started by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
“I’m all in favor of anyone — athlete or not an athlete — being able to express what they believe in in a peaceful manner, and that’s exactly what Colin Kaepernick is doing, and I respect that,” James said during media day for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. “I think you guys know when I’m passionate about something I speak upon it.”
James does have a track record for speaking out about issues he is concerned about, and his latest effort on display at the ESPYs backed that up. That said, James still says he will continue to stand for the national anthem before NBA games.
“Me standing for the national anthem is something I will do. That’s who I am,” James said. “That’s what I believe in, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect and don’t agree with what Colin Kaepernick is doing. You have the right to voice your opinion, stand for your opinion — and he’s doing it in the most peaceful way I’ve seen someone do something.”
There will likely be some Kaepernick-like protests and demonstrations from NBA players this season, but James will choose to voice his opinions and concerns in another way.
