LeBron James Criticizes Trump’s Immigration Ban

LeBron James says Trump’s immigration ban “divides and excludes people.”

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James has expressed strong criticism against the President’s order banning immigrants and refugees[/tweetit] of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States.

LeBron James Criticizes Trump’s Immigration Ban[/tweetthis]

James, who has never hid his contempt for President Donald Trump, recently received the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s(NAACP) Jackie Robinson Sports Award. During the ceremony, he said diversity is what makes the U.S. great. He said he stood in solidarity with many Americans who also shared his beliefs concerning the country’s inclusiveness. He stated he was not in favor of Trump’s current policy or any other policy aimed to exclude or divide people.

James received the Jackie Robinson Sports Award for his achievements in athletics, contributions to civil rights, social justice pursuits and his involvement with the community. The basketball player has, in the past, criticized the killing of African-Americans by the police and various other issues.

James was joined by other NBA players as well. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, and two-time MVP, indirectly disagreed with Under Armour CEO, Kevin Plank’s recent statement calling Trump an “asset to the country.” Curry went on to say that he would support Plank’s view, as long as the letters “e” and “t” were removed from the word “asset.”

Curry is currently the brand ambassador for Under Armour and his sentiments resonated with several people, many of whom have called for a boycott of the athletic brand on social media. However, Curry himself has not spoken about disassociating himself from the brand. He has implied that he would do so if he could not see “eye to eye” with them in the future.

Trump’s immigration order is said to be on hold for the moment as federal judges have blocked it. The order has also sparked several protests throughout the nation.

Several members of the NBA have spoken against the order. This even includes coaches like Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs, Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors and Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons.

Luol Deng, a veteran forward for the LA Lakers and one of two Sudanese players in the NBA, said he is a proud refugee and suggested people educate themselves concerning the prior vetting processes for immigrants.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, a forward for the New York Nets and a Muslim, simply called the bill “B.S.”

Resources

Follow the Conversation on Twitter