This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Los Angeles, United States - July 12, 2020
NBA superstar LeBron James has made the decision to opt out of wearing a social justice message on the back of his jersey, citing that it doesn't resonate with his mission.
James, who has often spoken out against racism and police brutality in America, is passing on the NBA's plan to help bring attention to racial inequality by having players wear messages like 'I Can't Breathe' instead of their family names.
"I didn't go with a name on the back of my jersey," James said. "It was no disrespect to the list that was handed down to all the players."
James expressed his appreciation for players who have chosen to wear social justice messages on their jerseys, stating that it's "just something that didn't seriously resonate with my mission, with my goal."
He also expressed his desire to have had input in the decision-making process, saying, "I would have loved to have a say on what would have gone on the back of the jersey."
Despite opting out of wearing a social justice message, James emphasized that he is still committed to using his platform to bring about change, particularly in the Black community.
"Being able to use my platform, use the NBA's platform, to continue to talk about what's going on. Because I will not stop until I see real change for us in Black America, for African Americans, for people of color," James said.
