Los Angeles (AFP) – A defiant LeBron James said Saturday he would continue to speak up about social issues and racism in America despite criticism this week from conservative commentators.
The NBA superstar says it is his duty as a parent and role model to use his platform to speak for those that don’t have a voice.
“To be an African-American kid and growing up in the inner city with a single parent mother and not being financially stable and to make it where I am today, I feel like I defeated the odds,” said James.
The 14-time NBA all-star was responding to comments the day before by a Fox News television presenter that said sports stars like James should stay out of politics and “shut up and dribble.”
The 33-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio said he feels it is his obligation — especially as a father to three young children — to speak out.
“I would not just shut up and dribble,” James told reporters from a podium at the Los Angeles Convention Center after practice Saturday in preparation for Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game.
“I mean too much to my two boys here, their best friend here, my daughter that is at home, my wife, and my family and all these other kids that look up to me for inspiration and try to find a way out.”
James has spoken up before about growing up poor in one of America’s black inner city neighbourhoods but his comments on Saturday were especially sincere and heartfelt.
“I do it because I am passionate about it,” he said. “I do it because it is bigger than me,” said James who will captain Team LeBron in Sunday’s contest at the Staples Center arena.
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