BJJ legend Gordon Ryan makes "slave" joke to mock LeBron James' historic 38,390 points NBA record
Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert Gordon Ryan has opted to make a joke at the expense of LeBron James' new record, rather than congratulate the basketball superstar.
Earlier this week, Los Angeles Lakers star James scored 38 points in a 133-110 defeat by Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite the loss, there were celebrations amidst the game as LeBron James scored enough points to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA career points record of 38,387. James, who now leads the all-time list with 38,390, is currently playing in his 20th season in the NBA, and broke the record that had stood for over 30 years.
Whilst there were celebrations for what LeBron James had accomplished, some fans, such as Gordon Ryan, were less than impressed with the feat. The jiu-jitsu savant took to Instagram to address the NBA legend and joked that his new record of 38,390 points was the number of slaves that worked in sweatshops to produce his sports uniform:
"I must be late to the party. What is this? Is it the number of slaves he has manufacturing his sponsored gear while he complains about equality? Asking for a friend."
This isn't the first time LeBron James has been in the crossfire of those in the fighting industry either. In 2020, UFC welterweight Colby Covington called out the basketball star.
LOL at the snowflakes that believe @KingJames could even last 10 seconds with me! If that coward had the balls or the ability to kick anyone’s ass, Delonte West would’ve lost his teeth long before his meth habit! https://t.co/TQZ56FBnt1
Why Gordon Ryan briefly retired at the age of 26
Gordon Ryan has reigned at the top of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu world for a number of years whilst battling an underlying health condition.
'The King' is regarded by many as the greatest No-Gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor of all time, as evidenced by his undefeated run since 2018. During his career, the 29-year-old has competed in 165 matches and won 153 of them.
Gordon Ryan has achieved this dominance while suffering from a severe stomach issue that has often left him less than 100% while competing. In fact, the health complications got so bad that he briefly called time on his career in 2021.
Recently appearing on the Straight Outta The Lair podcast, Ryan shared some details about his issues:
"When I had to retire, I couldn't even function as a human being. It wasn't like, 'Oh my training's not going so great.' No, it was like, 'I can't hold a conversation with people.' I'd have to get up and walk away... 2018 to 2022 my stomach was messed up. That's when I was winning. For at least an hour a day, I'd be in the bathroom. I wouldn't actually throw up, but I'd be sitting next to the toilet like I was gonna throw up any moment."
Watch the video here (from the 5:50-min mark):