NBA basketball icon LeBron James has taken a beating on social media after saying black people are “our own worst enemy” in response to the police brutality incident that led to the death of Tyre Nichols.
Last week, the nation came to a standstill when released footage showed five black Memphis police officers brutally beating Tyre Nichols during an arrest, which subsequently led to his death. Basketball star LeBron James, who has spent the latter half of his career pushing social justice messages regarding race, used the moment to say black people are “our own worst enemy.”
Initially, James responded to a tweet from MSNBC analyst Brittany Cunningham, which said that policing is a tool of systemic racism no matter the race of the officers.
“What’s really clear about some of the reaction to the murder of #TyreNichols is that we’ve failed to fully understand race and its construction as a *systemic tool.* The entire system of policing sees the Black body as a problem. No matter who pulls the trigger,” said Cunningham.
WE ARE OUR OWN WORSE ENEMY!!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 28, 2023
“TOO FACTUAL!!!” LeBron responded.
TOO FACTUAL!!! https://t.co/Om43WiAzrN
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 28, 2023
James later tweeted.
WE ARE OUR OWN WORSE ENEMY!!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 28, 2023
The comment appeared to anger some of the basketball star’s woke fans, who accused him of perpetuating white supremacist talking points.
In a roundabout way, you’re regurgitating white supremacist talking points. As well as absolving systemic racism of fostering a culture that encourages this behavior.
The same people who’ve told you “Shut up and dribble” in the past will retweet this. You’re doing their work.
— The Foncé ? ? (@ChocnessMonsta) January 28, 2023
That’s your takeaway?
— medusa. (@tinykinseyscale) January 28, 2023
And this is how we know you didn’t get past page 10 of the Malcolm X biography you were posing with
— Rakeem Shabazz | Wise The Dome TV (@RakeemShabazz) January 28, 2023
Worst*
— FJ Be Dissertatin’ (@FeministaJones) January 28, 2023
You talking about the lakers? Because if you talking about this current situation bruh nah. Wrong time
— T-Dubb-O (@T_DUBB_O) January 28, 2023
This what happens when you only read the cover of books
— Mona (@RealMona_) January 28, 2023
No sir.
— FOST (@GeorgeFoster72) January 28, 2023
Bro finish reading the book.?♂️?♂️ I promise there’s good stuff in there. https://t.co/o3AxXCXNLr
— The Undigested: Live from the Belly of the Beast (@LawrenceOlamina) January 28, 2023
Bro finish reading the book.?♂️?♂️ I promise there’s good stuff in there. https://t.co/o3AxXCXNLr
— The Undigested: Live from the Belly of the Beast (@LawrenceOlamina) January 28, 2023
So, you gone apologize to Megan Thee Stallion or what girl dad? You were bumping music supporting the violent trash rapper who shot her. LeBron, you are a walking billboard of hypocrisy and anti-Blackness. https://t.co/EJcDV5Pz2e
— Ola Ojewumi (@Olas_Truth) January 29, 2023
I hope you looking in the mirror mr tory Lanez supporter. https://t.co/sA2ndCqSTe
— The Neighborhood Publicist (@nhoodpublicist) January 28, 2023
The National Basketball Players Association and the Memphis Grizzlies said in separate statements that they were horrified by the incident and called for justice against the police officers.
We stand by the rightful arrest of all officers involved,” the National Basketball Players Association said in a statement. “Such aggressive and excessive force illustrates the continued need for accountability in the justice system.”
“We are distraught to find ourselves dealing with a needless loss of life due to police brutality, and this time it was one of Memphis’s own,” the Grizzlies said in their own statement. “We’re thinking of the Nichols family and friends and share the pain being felt throughout our community. So, let’s support each other and respect how our fellow Memphians are coping. We have faith in this city and our power to heal.”
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