LeBron James spoke for the first time publicly on Tuesday about his choice to be vaccinated against Covid-19. “I can only speak for myself. Everyone has a choice to do what they think is right for them and their family. I admit I was very skeptical, but after doing my own research I thought it was best for me, my family and my friends. That’s why I decided to do it ”, he told reporters on the Lakers’ Media Day.
“As for speaking on behalf of everyone, I don’t feel like doing it … it’s not my job”
Earlier this year, the Lakers star had repeatedly declined to say whether or not he would get the shot, arguing that it was in the private sphere. However, his skepticism about vaccination was well known. Asked whether it was not up to him, given his status as the greatest star in the NBA, to encourage players, but also people who are not vaccinated, to take this step, LeBron James has refused to take on this role.
“Here we are talking about the body of individuals. It is not about politics, racism or police brutality, he replied on Tuesday. It is about the well-being of the people. I don’t think I should get involved in what people do for their bodies. It’s like I’m saying so-and-so should take this job or not […] I know what I have done for myself and my family, I know what some of my friends have done for them and their family. But when it comes to speaking on behalf of everyone, I don’t feel like doing it … it’s not my job. “
For two days that the Media Days of the various NBA franchises have been taking place, the subject of non-vaccination in a large minority of League players, 10% according to an official census, has been on everyone’s lips. Some stars have openly claimed they refused to be vaccinated, such as Bradley Beal (Washington) who has since backpedaled slightly, saying he was wondering “Always the question”.
Kyrie Irving refuses to say if he is, but his absence during the Brooklyn Nets Media Day on Monday at the Barclays Center left little room for doubt: he did not have permission, a New York City decree requiring professional athletes to prove that they have received at least one dose of the vaccine in order to enter their club’s premises.
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