LeBron James goes high in response to Trump’s criticism of Goodyear

LeBron James had a choice: go high or go low.

Lakers had given up their opening streak against the Blazers

. “data-reactid =” 17 “> This was not a court decision, which decided to either take the shoulder or lower the shoulder and grind in the paint. The game was over. The Lakers had equalized their opening round series against the Blazers.

No, this was about politics. This was about society. This was about his birthplace, and James decided that was the right direction to take.

issued a statement addressing “misunderstandings about our policies and our business. Goodyear has strongly supported both equality and law enforcement and will continue to do so. “)” Data-reactid = “23”> James was made available in his postgame over his hometown of Akron, Ohio, in the wake of President Trump’s call for a boycott of Goodyear Tires. Trump demands a boycott of an American company – like so much else in the last four years, a rare, if not unusual, step for a president – after an image circulating on social media was almost asked Goodyear employees not to wear political attire like “Make America Great Again” hats. (Goodyear, for her part, issued a statement addressing “misunderstandings about our policies and our business. Goodyear has strongly supported both equality and law enforcement and will continue to do so. ”)

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Goodyear was founded in Akron in 1898, and ranks as the city’s fourth largest employer. James’ connection to his birthplace is well-known, extensive and lifelong, so it is not surprising that he has a strong opinion.

James has gone low in these situations before. His infamous “U bum” response to President Trump was a landmark, unusual shot over the bow: the most famous athlete in America beats a sitting president. More recently, he questioned Trump’s criticism of the NBA by mocking that “I really don’t think the basketball community is sad about losing his viewership, watching him play the game.”

He could have done the same Thursday night, Trump had exclaimed at a full range of possible criticisms. But he chose to focus on the positive, and talked for a whole minute about the city and its people. He did not even mention the name to Trump.

‘I know my people from Akron. I know what Goodyear means to our city, ”said James. ‘One thing about us, we do not bend, we do not fold, we do not break for anyone. I’m not worried about that. Not only has Goodyear been good to our city, but to the history of our country, and what it stands for. It is an unbelievable brand, unbelievable history. That we stand strong, always united, especially in my city. We always felt when we were counted, to be a small town, and that is what makes our rally, even stronger. Shouts and greetings to all the workers, the men and women in Goodyear, throughout their history, and to the city of Akron. ‘

It’s still a bit remarkable how unremarkable it is for James to get questions, and answer them, that are far beyond the world of basketball. There was a long tradition, lasting until a few years ago, that every question on an NBA athlete’s press scrum should focus on the previous game; the next opponent; and maybe, if things got a little chippy, a contract situation like persistent meat.

Now? Now nothing is off limits, despite how much it can irritate stick-to-sport fans. And James at least is happy to give deep answers. He knows he’s a cultural inspiration to a broad band of Americans, and he takes that responsibility seriously.

James has formed a coalition, More Than A Vote, with the express aim of increasing the turnout of Black voters. He campaigned for 2016 for Hillary Clinton and plans to do the same for Joe Biden this year.

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