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Sports in Society

LeBron James Again Speaks Out Against Racism After Vandalism Of L.A. Home

Cavaliers F LeBron James said that the issue of racism in America has "once again reared its ugly head and taken center stage" after a racial slur was spray-painted on an outside gate of his L.A. home, according to a front-page piece by Craig Webb of the AKRON BEACON JOURNAL. James said, "If this sheds a light and continues to keep the conversation going, then I’m OK with it. ... It just goes to show that racism will always be part of the world, part of America. (Living with) hate in America -- especially for African-Americans -- is living every day." He added, "No matter how much money you have, no matter how famous you are, no matter how many people admire you -- being black in America is tough. We have a long way to go" (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 6/1). In N.Y., Cacciola & Bromwich write James over the last several seasons has "used his platform as the league’s most visible superstar to voice opinions on matters that do not necessarily involve what he does on the court." His "increasing willingness to speak his mind has set him apart from stars of previous eras, including Michael Jordan." James won the NBA's annual J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award last month in "connection with his efforts to improve educational opportunities" in his hometown of Akron (N.Y. TIMES, 6/1).

WEIGHT OF THE WORLD: On Long Island, Greg Logan notes James yesterday "suggested his shoulders are big enough to carry whatever burden society throws at him." If that means "standing up and speaking out" the way Bill Russell once did but that Jordan "generally avoided, bring it on." James: "If this incident that happened to me and my family today can keep the conversation going and can shed light on us trying to figure out a way to keep progressing and not regressing, then, I’m not against it happening to us again. I mean, as long as my family is safe" (NEWSDAY, 6/1). USA TODAY's Martin Rogers notes James has "regularly used his fame to speak out on social issues." He "won’t stop being a spokesman and in that regard he has the backing of even those who want to stop him from getting a fourth ring." Warriors F Andre Iguodala said, "When things like that occur, it’s (on) all of us. We’ve all dealt with it throughout our lives" (USA TODAY, 6/1). NBCS Bay Area's Greg Papa said of James, "We compare him to Michael Jordan as a basketball player, ... but Michael would not touch stories like this and Jim Brown would roundly criticize him." Papa: "I do commend (James) when moments like this happen. There have been a lot of poignant moments where he has sought a national stage to speak out on these issues" ("The Happy Hour," NBCS Bay Area, 5/31). ESPN Radio's Adnan Virk said, "He's been a guy unafraid to put  himself out there when it comes to social issues, he's been vocal, he's been a mouthpiece. ... LeBron James has been a guy who's unwilling to duck anything that controversial." ESPN Radio's Mike Golic added, "Over the last decades, we've seen some African-American athletes ... that people criticize them for not speaking out on issues. ... LeBron has not shied away" ("Mike & Mike," ESPN Radio, 6/1). ESPN's Dave McMenamin noted James spoke out on the Trayvon Martin shooting in '12 by posing for a photo with his Heat teammates, but now he wants to "change from a grassroots level and rather be the person who whenever a terrible tragedy occurs in this country, he gets in front of a bunch of press and microphones" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 5/31).

ANGRY CHAIR
: USA TODAY's Michelle Martinelli reports Andretti Autosport's Facebook page was "hit with racist comments" following Japanese driver Takuma Sato's Indianapolis 500 victory. Andretti issued a statement and "explained the purpose of its Facebook page is for supporters and racing fans to come together and celebrate." The statement read, “While we respect that this world is built on different and diverse opinions, any messages posted on this page that are profane and/or derogatory in any way will be removed and reported" (USA TODAY, 6/1).

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