The tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend reignited the discourse over the issue of racial injustice in America and the sudden rise in the prevalence of public rallies and support for white supremacy movements. Donald Trump’s failure to respond to protesters being run over with a car, injuring 19 and killing one, by claiming the issue falls on “many sides” caused significant backlash and saw many back out of their support of the President, including Under Armour’s CEO.
On Tuesday, Trump once again spoke about the tragedy and doubled down on his “many sides” response by claiming that both sides deserved blame for the situation. It was one of his most disgusting press conferences to date as he offered a defense of many of those who were participating in a white supremacy rally held by neo-Nazis over the issue of confederate statues being torn down.
The backlash on social media was swift, and from the athletic realm, no one has been louder in their disappointment and disgust with the president’s handling of this tragedy than LeBron James, who responded again on Tuesday following Trump’s press conference.
Hate has always existed in America. Yes we know that but Donald Trump just made it fashionable again! Statues has nothing to do with us now!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 15, 2017
James at once calls out Trump for his role in enabling hate groups and also asserts his belief that confederate statues have no place in America, considering those statues celebrate a history of hate and treason. James was recently the target of racial vandalism to his Los Angeles home, and he has long been a strong voice as a superstar speaking out against social injustice, but these latest comments from James have been his most forceful towards the issues of the Trump presidency.
James wasn’t alone among former NBA MVPs to criticize Trump’s press conference and choice to offer a defense of white supremacist groups. Steve Nash took to Twitter as well and did not mince words about how he felt watching Trump speak on Tuesday.
To defend white supremacists and then slang his shitty ass grape juice pretty much sums the man up
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) August 15, 2017
Strong athlete activism has returned recently, from NBA stars like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony speaking out to the numerous protests held by NFL players, begun by Colin Kaepernick and since continued by Marshawn Lynch and Michael Bennett this preseason. Players recognize their voice and ability to promote change and spark conversation, and it’s being led by legitimate stars which makes it even more impactful.
