In a recent interview with Cari Champion for her show, “Rolling With The Champion,” LeBron James and Kevin Durant spoke on their success straight out of high school.
As the three drove around Akron, Ohio, James’ hometown, the three discussed their lives and careers, including the negativity that comes along with being the greatest in the world.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In particular, James discussed the 2017 incident, when his old Brentwood home was defaced and spray painted with the n-word while his family was away. Despite the money and fame, James divulged about the climate, as an athlete, to discuss politics and racial injustices in the world.
“We cannot deny that we are very divided especially in the political arena,” Champion said. “The warriors said, ‘If we had an invite we’re not going to the White House,’ LeBron, you called them a ‘bum,’ – prompting James and Durant to both interject, saying “straight up,” as Champion continued, asking, “How do you describe the climate for an athlete with a platform, nowadays, that want to talk about what’s happening in our world?”
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“Well, the climate is hot,” James responded. “The number one job in America, the point of person, is someone who doesn’t understand the people and really don’t give a f*ck about the people.”
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“When I was growing up,” he continued, “there were like three jobs that you look for inspiration or you feel like these were the people that can give me life. It was the President of the United States, it was whoever was the best in sports and then it was like the greatest musician at the time. You never thought you could be them, but you could grab inspiration from them…. And this time right now, with the President of the United States, it’s at a bad time,” he said, adding that it’s important to encourage and inform the public.
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The three then went on to discuss their status and how it has no affect on racism, as he continued with a story about a recent incident, where he was a victim of racism.
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“I’m a black man with a bunch of money, and having a crib in Brentwood and having the word n*gg*r spray painted over my gate, that lets you know I ain’t too far removed,” he said, adding that “They will always try to figure out a way to let you know you’re still beneath them.”
