The latest episode of Comedy Central's "South Park" mocked LeBron James over his "recent comments about the conflict between China and the NBA." In the episode, the lunches at South Park Elementary School are "switched with healthier options after some students complain." Eric Cartman "becomes irate over the change," but one of the students in favor of healthier lunches says they have the right to protest unhealthy options and have freedom of speech. Cartman responds, "Yes, we do have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you are not thinking about others and only thinking about yourself!" That is the "exact quote James gave days ago." There was also a "Taco Tuesday" reference (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 10/16).
Comedy Central’s Trevor Noah said James is "getting a lot of heat for not taking a stand against China and their oppression, with people even burning his jersey in Hong Kong." Noah: "If the NBA kept statistics of most jerseys burned, I think LeBron would dominate that, too. Hong Kong burned his jersey, Cleveland burned his jersey, Miami burned his jersey. Like, forget Nike: LeBron should get sponsored by Kingsford lighter fluid.” More Noah: "Normally, I would agree that NBA players shouldn't have to know the intricacies of East Asia policy. But at the same time, Dennis Rodman is basically the U.S. ambassador to North Korea. I don't know what the rules are anymore" (“The Daily Show,” Comedy Central, 10/16).
