Twitter CEO Elon Musk went through with his longtime plan to remove legacy blue checkmarks on the social media service on Thursday.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who is notoriously frugal with his money, previously stated that he wouldn’t pay the “$5” a month (it’s actually $8) to retain his blue checkmark.
“Welp, guess my [blue check] will be gone soon,” James tweeted on March 31. “Because if you know me, you know I ain’t paying the five [dollars].”
James was one of many high-profile athletes to post similar sentiments. However, when legacy blue checkmarks disappeared Thursday afternoon, James still retained his.
— Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed) April 20, 2023
The sports world was quick to react to LeBron’s flip-flop:
Not surprised. @KingJames has always been a fraud https://t.co/vWn6lTZDpH
— Stickamania 🤡 (@StickaMANIA) April 20, 2023
“Not surprised. King James has always been a fraud,” wrote one fan.
The greatest liar of all time. No one comes close to my goat https://t.co/fpAB0QRda2
— Michael Taylor (@eyelikehoop) April 20, 2023
“The greatest liar of all time. No one comes close to my goat,” wrote another fan.
Lebron saying one thing, and doing the exact opposite???
I don't believe it. Can't be true. lol. https://t.co/F1NgbfcpUR
— Justin Termine (@TermineRadio) April 20, 2023
“LeBron doing one thing and doing the exact opposite? I don’t believe it. It can’t be true,” joked one fan.
second greatest liar of all time behind trump https://t.co/r12OZ15sSU
— Swivson Mandela (@PopeSweezus) April 20, 2023
“Second greatest liar of all time behind Trump,” one fan wrote.
At least one fan, however, wondered if Musk allowed James and author Stephen King to keep their blue checks after their public displeasure over the change.
Stephen King also still has his checkmark despite very publicly saying he wouldn’t pay. I suspect Musk wants to make it look like they’re paying. https://t.co/DBDZXtFZ6U
— Matt Novak (@paleofuture) April 20, 2023
“Stephen King also still has his checkmark despite very publicly saying he wouldn’t pay. I suspect Musk wants to make it look like they’re paying.”
