Former President Donald Trump is criticizing LeBron James for his recent statements on the police.
In a strongly-worded statement, Trump called out the Lakers superstar for his remarks this week regarding the Ohio officer who fatally shot a 16-year-old girl who was wielding a knife during a confrontation.
Trump expressed his disapproval saying, “LeBron James should stick to basketball instead of overseeing the decline of the NBA, which just posted its lowest television ratings ever. His divisive and insulting comments are racially charged and do not contribute to national unity.”
While acknowledging James’ basketball prowess, Trump accused him of failing to promote unity in the country.
The incident in question involved bodycam footage released by the Columbus Police Department showing the officer shooting Ma’Khia Bryant as she was attacking another individual with a knife.
James had shared his thoughts on the shooting, hinting at the need for accountability in law enforcement following the recent conviction of Derek Chauvin in the George Floyd case.
In response to the backlash, James later clarified his stance on Twitter, emphasizing the importance of gathering facts and educating oneself on such issues. He expressed his sorrow for the victim’s family and called for justice to prevail.
James also highlighted his frustration with the ongoing police brutality towards Black individuals, stating that the focus should be on holding the entire system accountable rather than just individual officers.
Despite the heated exchange of opinions between Trump and James, the larger issue of addressing systemic racism and police accountability remains at the forefront of societal discussions.
