The following are LeBron James’s words. They show why some professional athletes may not be the best role models for young people.

“I believe [Daryl Morey] wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke. So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually.”

“Yes, we do all have freedom of speech. But at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re thinking about yourself.”

[Asked why he felt Morey had been ill-informed on the Hong Kong demonstrations] “That’s just my belief. I don’t know. That’s my belief. That’s all I can say. I believe he was misinformed or not really educated on the situation. And if he was, then so be it.”

“For me personally, I’ve always been welcomed [in China] with open arms. I’ve been to China probably over 15 to 20 times, and the main reason I’ve always wanted to go back to China is because of the game of basketball. The game of basketball has brought people together in so many different facets, in so many different countries — people you would never, ever expect.”

“Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet. I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk about that.”

Scott Cacciola, “After Daryl Morey Tweet Backlash, LeBron James Says Executive Was Misinformed on China,” NYTimes, 10-14-19)

(c) 2019 JMN