Four-time NBA Champion LeBron James faced intense pushback from conservative, right-wing critics after he tweeted about holding police officers accountable for killing Black children. In reference to the death of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant in his home state of Ohio, James tweeted a picture of the officer who killed her with a caption that read, "You're Next! #Accountability." For added context, the NBA superstar had previously tweeted, "#Accountability," after Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd. For some, James was calling for Nicholas Reardon to be held liable by the criminal justice system for killing a Black child. For others, James was "inciting violence" against police officers.
"In this instance, 'You're Next' could certainly be interpreted by some, even, as a call for violence. I think it was a grossly irresponsible message for LeBron James to send out," Republican Sen. Ted Cruz told Fox News.
"Lebron James is inciting violence against an Ohio police officer. This is disgraceful and dangerous," Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton added.
Ultimately, James decided to delete the tweet, but it was not for the reason that many critics thought he should have. As the I Promise School founder pointed out, his tweet about holding officers accountable was "being used to create more hate."
Adding to James' statements, a number of people jumped to his defense. Others pointed out that some groups were more infuriated by James' tweet than the death of a 16-year-old girl, who had called the police for help.
While some critics have called for James to be fined or even suspended from the NBA, it is highly unlikely that he will face any punishment from the league. For years, league officials like Adam Silver have worked with players to fight issues of social injustice and provide a platform for athletes to speak their minds.
James and the Los Angeles Lakers are slated to take on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks at 8:30 p.m. in American Airlines Arena.
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