LeBron James’ Controversial Reaction to John Amaechi’s Coming Out: Examining Homophobia in the NBA

Asked about many current topics relating to the league and its members, LeBron James is often launched into somewhat touchy debates. His statement about players coming out was particularly shocking.

As in many other sports, homosexuality remains a taboo subject for many in the world of basketball. The NBA is no exception, as evidenced by the rare cases of coming-out recorded since its creation. One of the pioneers in the field, John Amaechi, caused a stir following his announcement, made in 2007.ESPNyet he was trying to normalize this event:

I am neither a hero nor special in any way. I’m just doing what a conscientious person would do, which is to make people realize that gay people don’t have to look like Jack in “Will and Grace” and jump on everything. what moves at the slightest opportunity. Like anyone, we are all different and we are present.

LeBron’s controversial reaction to John Amaechi’s coming out

Passed by Cleveland, Orlando, Utah but also Limoges, Amaechi however waited four years following his retirement from sport to reveal his sexual orientation. A first for a player who made a stop in the North American league, pushing the US media to make this news a big news. Invited to react to it a few days later by the New York Times, LeBron James then caused a scandal:

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With your teammates, you have to show that you are trustworthy. And if some players are gay and they don’t admit it in the locker room, then they’re not to be trusted.

A speech that could not be more negative on the part of one of, or even the main figure of the league, and which did not really encourage its targets to imitate Amaechi. No wonder, then, that the latter later condemned these remarks:

I would say that people with a voice that resonates like that in society need to be more careful about what they say. They create a sort of paradox by saying that gay people are untrustworthy while failing to create an atmosphere that shows them that if they come out they will receive support from their teammates.

Fortunately for the former English pivot, not all the stars of the league commented on his act in this way. His former Magic coach, Doc Rivers, for example, had accepted it without flinching, letting it be understood that it did not affect the sporting aspect:

I was recently told about it, and I said, “So what? Does he know how to rebound? Does he know how to shoot? Does he know how to defend? »

Master in the art of communication since a young age, LeBron James had not, however, offered the best possible reaction to the coming-out of John Amaechi. No doubt he wouldn’t deliver such words these days!

2023-07-15 16:20:00
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