LeBron James, known to many as “The King,” is undoubtedly the most famous NBA player today.
James has won four NBA championships, the first two with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, then the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and the fourth with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 .
But as he grew in success, visibility and fame, everything he said and did came under scrutiny. Here are three controversies he’s been involved in.
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Controversy involving LeBron James
3. Brittney Griner Controversy
WNBA star Britney Griner was arrested at the Moscow airport in February 2022 on drug-related charges and detained for nearly 10 months. The convicted Griner faces more than 10 years in a Russian prison, prompting comments from LeBron James.
“Now, how can she feel that the United States is supporting her?” James said. “I would think, ‘Do I still want to go back to the United States?'”
The counterargument quickly unfolded: James had no duty to defend a criminal who disrespected foreign laws; If she committed a crime, she should be held accountable; if she committed a crime, she should be held accountable. The United States is not to blame.
2. “Decided” to transfer to the Miami Heat.
On its own, the move was not controversial. The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t do enough to help LeBron win a championship. The question is how it happens.
LeBron James has an entire TV show dedicated to this move. LeBron was a beloved Cleveland hero who preached community and loyalty. He was a source of pride and one of a kind. Moving to Miami was seen as a betrayal. The burning of LeBron’s jerseys is a testament to the anguish of Cleveland fans.
1. LeBron James visits Saudi Arabia
As an iconic athlete, everything LeBron does has an unexpected ripple effect. Some human rights defenders were dissatisfied with the recent visit to Saudi Arabia.
The most vocal critics are Hatice Cengiz, fiancée of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi. she He was set to marry the journalist the same year he was brutally murdered on orders from the Saudi government.
She was outspoken about James and other sports figures who continue to be associated with a country known for its human rights abuses.During the interview she Expressing her pain, she said:
“It’s sad to see these people forget that they are morally exemplary as well when making choices.”