NBA Superstar Lebron James has built his personal brand around the concept of being more than just an athlete. He has continued to use his platform as a professional basketball player to bring attention to social issues in our country in order to seek positive change. The reason Lebron is so passionate about these topics is because he knows how hard it was for him growing up as a child in poverty. He also understands that his situation is the exception and not the rule. Not everyone is blessed with the God-given ability that he has, which is why he takes pride in speaking up for those that don’t have the platform to speak up for themselves.

Although, history continues to show that when athletes do this, it can make people in the political realm angry and resentful. In ESPN’s documentary “The Last Dance” which highlighted Michael Jordan’s basketball career, president Barack Obama said “Any African-American in this society that sees significant success has an added burden, and a lot of times, America is very quick to embrace a Michael Jordan or an Oprah Winfrey or a Barack Obama so long as it’s understood that you don’t get too controversial around broader issues of social justice.” 

Politicians want to keep athletes in their place because they know the potential influence they can have on people. In 2018, Fox News Host, Laura Ingraham, said in a rant on air that “it’s always unwise to seek political advice from someone that gets paid $100 million a year to dribble a basketball.” James then responded on Twitter issuing a statement that said “I Am More Than Just an Athlete.” Political commentators aren’t the only people that can take exception to athletes wanting to step out and be more than who they are on the field. Yesterday, when asked about famous people like athletes being involved in politics, professional soccer player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, said “That is the first mistake people do when they become famous, and become a certain status. Stay out of it. Just do what you’re best at because it doesn’t look good.” 

Zlatan clearly does not understand what it’s like trying to be black in America or how much Lebron James has given back to his community by using his platform. He needs to understand that athletes like Lebron are maximizing their platform and leverage to spread awareness. Normal people without status are powerless when voicing out their concerns, therefore “staying out of it” means nothing changes or improves for those in need. 

Despite the constant criticism from political pundits and even sometimes his peers, Lebron James continues to show that he doesn’t care about what anyone else thinks or how they feel. Lebron James grew up in poverty, without a father, and with a drug-addicted mother. Then against all odds, become arguably the greatest athlete the world has ever seen, as he still continues to dominate his competition at 36 years old. James is a 4-time NBA Champion, 4-time NBA Finals MVP, 4-Time League MVP, 17-time NBA All-Star and future Hall of Famer. Not to mention that he has networth of over $500 million dollars and has built schools for underprivileged children in his.

Zlatan, do you really think that Lebron James needs any advice from you about anything?