LeBron James And The Right Not To Be An Activist

A grand jury did not charge two Cleveland police officers for killing 12-year-old Tamir Rice. Online activists, using the hashtag #NoJusticeNoLeBron are trying to get LeBron James to sit out games to protest the decision.

Asked about this, LeBron declined to take a stand, asserting he “hasn’t really been on top of this issue.”

"“For me, I’ve always been a guy who’s took pride in knowledge of every situation that I’ve ever spoke on,” James said following the Cavs’ win over the Denver Nuggets. “And to be honest, I haven’t really been on top of this issue. So it’s hard for me to comment. I understand that any lives that [are] lost, what we want more than anything is prayer and the best for the family, for anyone. But for me to comment on the situation, I don’t have enough knowledge about it.”"

LeBron has weighed in on political/racial issues in the past. He, along with the rest of the Miami Heat, expressed solidarity with Trayvon Martin in 2012. He also spoke about Ferguson in 2014. He also mentioned discussions with his own kids about Tamir Rice to the Hollywood Reporter in February. He doesn’t even allow his kids to take nerf guns outside. He talked about “the talk” with his children.

"“Absolutely,” says James. “And the talk is, ‘You be respectful, you do what’s asked and you let them do their job, and we’ll take care of the rest after. You don’t have to boast and brag and automatically think it’s us against the police.’ I’ve had one or two encounters with the police in my life that were nothing. But sometimes you just got to shut up. It’s that simple. Just be quiet and let them do their job and go on about your life and hopefully things go well.”"

Past actions play into calls for him to act now. But, the dynamics here are different. LeBron is not being asked to weigh in from afar on Tamir Rice. He’s being asked to spearhead a social movement, to confront the Cleveland establishment locally, and to sacrifice his career for a cause with no clear end game. Such an act would be powerful. It would be extreme. It would be incredibly selfless. That’s why it should not be expected of him.

Public figures can be agents for social change (or at least bringing issues to the forefront). There’s no requirement to be one. That’s especially true when the public figure has neither expertise nor responsibility. Cleveland’s mayor should have something to say about Tamir Rice. Cleveland’s biggest basketball star has no true constituency.

LeBron has never taken dramatic action. He was in favor of Donald Sterling leaving the NBA. He did not deploy his power with a public ultimatum to oust him, and that was a situation where he had clear clout and a direct interest. He may have political views, but not to the point they threaten his career and his multi-million dollar business empire. He’s not that guy, and that’s okay.

We’ve been through a similar story with Tom Brady. Like many other mega-celebrities, he’s personally friendly with Donald Trump. This has led many to call for Brady to clarify his political views. Brady, who isn’t reading political material in his chill zone, has declined to do so.

"“I mean, look, I’ve known him for a long time,” Brady said. He’s been a fun guy that I’ve had a lot of time around.” “Whatever I vote is going to be my own personal choice based on how I feel. I don’t even know what the issues are. I haven’t paid attention to politics in a long time. It’s actually not something that I really even enjoy. It’s way off my radar.”"

Brady has said nothing to indicate he’s a fervent proto-fascist in his free time. But, save him denouncing Trump and urging everyone to “Feel the Bern” it will still be a story, despite his politics having zero public import. The Super Bowl is scheduled right between the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primary. Don’t think that controversy isn’t reemerging if the Pats make it.

Professional athletes can take a stand. Some do. It’s great, provided, of course, it’s in accordance with your politics. Professional athletes can do or say nothing. That’s understandable. Professional athletes can also pick out less inflammatory, perhaps private moments to do something. Like any American, that’s their choice.