Los Angeles (AFP)
Criticized by Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his social and political commitments, LeBron James defended himself on Saturday, explaining that there was no reason his impact in society could not be as strong as that which he has on the sports fields.
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"I'm not really the type of guy to come and attack (in terms of commitments) because I'm doing the right thing," the four-time NBA champion said after the Los Angeles Lakers 102-93 win. against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
James was responding to Ibrahimovic who, at the beginning of the week, had estimated that athletes should "stay out" of politics.
The AC Milan striker then named James by name, asking him to stop his activism.
"LeBron James is phenomenal at what he does. But I don't like it when people with a certain status are in politics at the same time," "Ibra" said in an interview with UEFA for Discovery + in Sweden.
"I'm not in politics. .... It's the first mistake people make when they get famous and gain status. Stay out of it. Just do what you do. the best. The rest does not seem good to me, "added the former Paris SG scorer.
But for James, as an athlete, it's not enough just to win titles - it's equally rewarding to inspire and empower people, as well as bring Americans together.
"At the end of the day, I will never be silent about things that are wrong. I am committed to my people, for equality, for equality also in terms of access to the vote, I commits against social injustice and racism, ”said the NBA superstar.
"There is no question that I am just playing sports. I know how powerful my voice is," he continued.
“For a long time, we heard that as athletes we should be grateful that we can throw a ball, dribble a ball, hit with a baseball bat. We were told that we were neither able nor allowed to talk about something else. This is no longer the case today. And it will not be the case for a long time "hammered James, very involved in the Black Lives Matter movement.
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