LeBron James wore a pair of sneakers with the word ‘equality’ stitched on them for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season-opener before the team linked arms as they prepared to play the Boston Celtics.
The shoes were part of a Nike campaign in February to commemorate Black History Month with the word stitched in gold on the back heel.
However, the shoes also seemed to be a shot at President Donald Trump with James explaining his reasoning at the Cavaliers’ media day last month.
‘I will in my voice, I will in my passion, I will in my money, I will in my resources to my youth and my inner city and outside my inner city to let these kids know that there is hope, there is greater walks of life,’ James said.
‘And not one individual, no matter if it’s the president of the United States…can stop your dreams from becoming a reality.’
LeBron James wore a pair of sneakers with the world ‘equality’ stitched on them for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season-opener before the team linked arms as they prepared to play the Boston Celtics (pictured)
The shoes were part of a Nike campaign to commemorate Black History Month but they also seemed to be a shot at President Donald Trump (Pictured, left, James on Tuesday, and, right, James hugs former teammate and current Boston player Kyrie Irving on Tuesday)
During the national anthem before the game, all Cavaliers players stood, linking arms, while the Celtics players bowed their heads.
James, a four-time MVP, told reporters last month at Cavaliers media day that he did not intend to kneel, due in large part to the work he does off the court.
‘My voice and what I do in my community is more powerful than getting on a knee,’ James said. ‘It’s not about the disrespect of the flag and our military. It’s about equality and the freedom to speak about things they feel are unjust.’
The protests, originally begun by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, have resulted in several players taking a knee during the national anthem to protest the treatment of minorities in the US and police brutality.
In September, after NFL players sparked debate within that league over protests during the national anthem, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he expected players to stand during ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’.
During the national anthem before the game, all Cavaliers players stood, linking arms, while the Celtics players bowed their head (James, right, looks to get around the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown on Thursday)
James, a four-time MVP, told reporters last month at Cavaliers media day that he did not intend to kneel, due in large part to the work he does off the court (James goes to the basket against the Boston Celtics on Thursday)
The protests, originally begun by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (center, October 2016), have resulted in several players taking a knee during the national anthem to protest the treatment of minorities in the US and police brutality
During the same weekend Trump criticized NFL players for kneeling, he also rescinded Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry’s invitation to the White House. In response, James tweeted that it was no longer an honor to visit the White House with Trump in office (pictured)
‘We have a rule that requires our players to stand for the anthem,’ Silver said. ‘It’s been our rule as long as I’ve been involved with the league, and my expectation is that our players will continue to stand for the anthem.’
Comments made by Donald Trump added further fuel to the fire as he said last month that football players who take a knee during the national anthem should be fired.
During that same weekend, Trump also rescinded Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry’s invitation to the White House.
In response, James tweeted it was no longer an honor to visit the White House with Trump in office.
‘U bum @stephencurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite,’ James wrote last month. ‘Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!’