LeBron James is turning an insult into a likely million-dollar brand after trademarking the phrase “Shut up and dribble!”
The comment was initially slung toward James as an insult from Fox News host Laura Ingraham in 2018. At the time, she slammed James for criticizing former President Donald Trump. The NBA icon wasn’t pleased with Trump’s lack of leadership and said he “don’t give a f**k about the people.” Ingraham, a longtime Trump supporter, told James he needed to stay out of politics and instead, “shut up and dribble.”
James refused to “shut up and dribble,” continuing to show that he is much more than a ball player. Since Ingraham’s ridicule, James has continued to use his massive platform to speak out about social issues.
Now, the 37-year-old is about to cash in on the once degrading comment. According to the United States Trademark and Patent Office, his company, Uninterrupted, Inc., filed to trademark the phrase earlier this week. In the filing, the company indicated that “Shut up and dribble” would be used on a variety of “downloadable virtual goods.” These virtual goods will consist of computer programs featuring clothing, footwear, headwear, eyewear, bags, sports bags, backpacks, sports equipment, art, toys, and accessories. Social media posts, music, games, and video services may also be created with the saying.
Ingraham has not responded to James’s trademark.
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