Back in 2018, Fox News analyst Laura Ingraham made a controversial comment rebuking NBA superstar LeBron James for discussing politics, suggesting that the Cleveland Cavaliers star should keep his political opinions to himself before famously telling him to “shut up and dribble.”
“It’s always unwise to seek political advice from someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball,” Ingraham said during an appearance on Fox News. “Keep the political comments to yourselves. … Shut up and dribble.”
'Shut up and dribble' — Fox News's Laura Ingraham to LeBron and Kevin Durant after their criticism of President Trump pic.twitter.com/0BlokQDIIl
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 16, 2018
Years later, it looks like James is seeking to monetize the insult for his own gain.
According to trademark attorney Josh Gerben of GerbenLaw, James’ company Uninterrupted has filed a copyright for the phrase “Shut Up and Dribble” to be used on clothing – namely t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and hats – as well as podcasts, motion picture films, and virtual goods.
LeBron James' company Uninterrupted has filed a new trademark for:
SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE
The company claims it will offer "SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE"-branded:
1. Virtual goods such as clothing, sports equipment and toys.
2. Podcasts
3. Motion picture films
4. Clothing#LeBronJames pic.twitter.com/30i9kMzqez
— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) July 22, 2022
James never allowed Ingraham’s comments to have an impact on his political or social endeavors, even in the immediate aftermath. If anything, it amplified his efforts.
“The best thing she did was help me create more awareness,” James said of the comments in 2018. “We will definitely not shut up and dribble. … I mean too much to society, too much to the youth, too much to so many kids who feel like they don’t have a way out.”
James’ latest move is just more proof of that.
