Today LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers held their annual media day, an opportunity for press to get a preview of what to expect in the upcoming NBA season. But the occasion quickly turned toward the pressing social justice issues that we’re all facing. Colin Kaepernick has had a tremendous impact on athletes in recent weeks and Lebron James is no exception. We’ve seen him use his voice to speak out about police violence in the past, and now the star athlete has a very specific view about Kaepernick’s protests.

“I’m all in favor of anyone being able to express what they believe in in a peaceful manner and that’s exactly what Colin Kaepernick is doing and I respect that. Me standing for the national anthem is something I will do. That’s who I am and that’s what I believe in but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect and don’t agree with what Colin Kaepernick is doing. You have the right to voice your opinion, stand for your opinion.

What I do not like about the situation is the negative attention that’s been thrown up on him from certain people because it’s not deserved.”

James’ thoughts are very different from those of fellow athletes like Brandon Marshall, who – in our exclusive interview – shared that he felt called to join in on the protests.

Watch the full clip of Lebron speaking on Kaepernick below from TMZ.

The leader of the Cavs went on to express his feelings on raising children when Black lives still don’t matter to some:

“I look at my son being four years removed from driving and being able to leave the house on his own and it’s a scary thought right now, to think if my son gets pulled over and you tell your ids that if they just listen to the police that they will be respectful, and things will work itself out. And you see these videos that continue to come out, it’s a scary ass situation if that my son calls me and he’s been pulled over that I’m not that confident that things are gonna go well and that my son is gonna return home.”

 

James has been an active participant in his local community. Last year, he pledged to send over 1000 kids from his hometown of Akron, Ohio to college through his “I Promise” program. The move is estimated to cost around $41 million.