MWith demonstrative serenity, superstar LeBron James parried Donald Trump’s next verbal attack on protesting basketball professionals from the NBA. The American president had described it as “miserable” that the players would get on their knees during the American national anthem – a question James used when calling for the election in November. He hoped everyone saw “what leadership we have at the top of our country,” said the 35-year-old. “November is just around the corner and it’s a big moment for us as Americans. We want improvement, we want change and we have the opportunity to do it. ”
Trump had said on the talk show “Fox and Friends” that he would “turn off the television” in view of the “pathetic” actions with which almost all professionals want to draw attention to police violence and social injustices. In the past, the American president had announced that he would, for example, ignore games of the national soccer teams because of the protests during the anthem. “I really don’t think the basketball community is sad about losing him as a spectator,” said James, with a mocking smile, “The game will go on without him watching.” (…) It couldn’t be more level with us. “
Even before the Los Angeles Lakers’ 86:10 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder, those involved knelt. In a black t-shirt with the white inscription “Black Lives Matter” (James’ life count), James also hooked his teammates and temporarily stretched his right fist up. At OKC, German international Dennis Schröder missed the second game in a row after leaving the bladder at Walt Disney World Resort Orlando. Schröder had traveled to his wife to be there when the second child was born.
Other prominent NBA players also responded to Trump’s statements that he no longer wanted to watch the games of the North American league. “We lost one. I really don’t care, ”said Doc Rivers, coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. “We know that justice is on our side, don’t we?”
The 58-year-old trainer wore a blue cap with the words “VOTE” (“chooses”) on it during his interview. “It is vital,” said Rivers. He would not say whether he would vote for President Trump or his democratic challenger Joe Biden. “I have my opinion, as you know. I urge everyone to vote. We fought so hard. “
Trump also said at his Fox appearance that basketball ratings would drop. Sports Media Watch analysts say the three TNT, ESPN, and ABC networks have risen 14 percent since the NBA resumed its Florida season with no viewers.
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