When LeBron James planned to sign Colin Kaepernick despite controversies in 2017
LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick might play different sports, but are quite vocal about their views and opinions. Kaepernick, of course, has been in the spotlight for social activism for years. James has grown increasingly involved with the same, always sharing his thoughts on relevant matters.
Back in 2017, Colin Kaepernick was unsigned weeks into the NFL season. The controversy began in the 2016 season, where the 35-year-old knelt during the national anthem before games. As a result, there was significant backlash along with a good amount of support. Kaepernick's career was unmistakably collatoral damage.
LeBron James, who was with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, supported Kaepernick. Speaking to reporters, he said that if he owned an NFL team, he would be glad to have the former San Francisco 49ers QB on board:
"I salute Colin Kaepernick for being as powerful as he was and being the one that he had to fall on his sword, unfortunately—and I hate that. And I hope that some NFL owner—I wish I owned an NFL team right now. I'd sign him today."
James also discussed the kneeling itself, and whether he would be up for it. As per the four-time NBA Champion, he did not think he had to bend the knee to make a point:
"My voice and what I do in my community and what I stand for—I don't think that I have to show you guys more getting on the knee or doing something else or trying to create something else."
However, he also did not feel that Kaepernick was disrespectful towards the flag or the national anthem.
LeBron James questions reports for their hypocrisy regarding Jerry Jones' desegregation photo
Over the years, LeBron James has continued to speak in support of his community and countless other matters. This includes the massive outrage caused by George Floyd's death in 2020, and anti-Semitic comments made by fellow NBA star Kyrie Irving.
The Los Angeles Lakers icon went ahead and questioned the media this week for not asking him about Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. This comes after an extremely controversial 1957 desegregation photo featuring Jones. Though he admitted it had been years since the photo, James expected some queries from the media.
"I got one question for you guys before you guys leave. I was thinking on my way over here I was wondering why I haven't gotten a question from you guys about the Jerry Jones photo. But when the Kyrie [Irving] thing was going on, you guys were quick to ask those questions about that."
LeBron just called out the reporters for not asking him about the Jerry Jones segregation photo and told them to “keep the same energy” they had for Kyrie 😳 https://t.co/a7POasQrRz
In the end, James added that he was just "dissapointed."
Earlier, LeBron James had also spoken about not being a Cowboys fan anymore. The four-time NBA MVP was unhappy over their stance over kneeling, which was the same issue relevant to Kaepernick almost five years ago.