LeBron James knows he has a powerful, influential voice and he’s been using it for years by talking about racial inequality, police shootings and his displeasure with President Trump.
Lately, he’s been talking about the injustice done to Colin Kaepernick by the NFL.
He’s right, of course. Time for an apology.
Kaepernick, 32, has not played since the 2016 season when, as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, he kneeled during the national anthem to protest racial inequality.
Most people now understand that he was ostracized from the league because of his beliefs.
Earlier this month, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he encourages a team to sign Kaepernick.
“Well, listen, if he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it’s going to take a team to make that decision,” Goodell said. “But I welcome that, support a club making that decision and encourage them to do that.
“If his efforts are not on the field but continuing to work in this space, we welcome him to that table and to help us, guide us, help us make better decisions about the kinds of things that need to be done in the communities. We have invited him in before, and we want to make sure that everybody’s welcome at that table and trying to help us deal with some very complex, difficult issues that have been around for a long time.
“But I hope we’re at a point now where everybody’s committed to making long-term, sustainable change.”
Goodell released a video apologizing on behalf of the NFL for not doing a better job of listening to players’ concerns on racial inequality. Afterward, he was criticized for not mentioning Kaepernick by name.
And that’s what LeBron wants — a personal apology to Kaepernick.
In an interview with Jason Kelly of Bloomberg Businessweek, LeBron James said Kaepernick himself deserves a direct apology from the league.
“As far as the NFL, I’m not in those locker rooms, I’m not with those guys, but I do understand that an apology — I have not heard a true, official apology to Colin Kaepernick on what he was going through and what he was trying to tell the NFL and tell the world about why he was kneeling when he was doing that as a San Francisco 49er. I just see that to still be wrong. Now they are listening some, but I still think we have not heard that official apology to a man who basically sacrificed everything for the better of this world,” James said.
“One thing I can speak for is what I’m apart of,” James said. “I’m a part of a league with a great commissioner in Adam Silver and he’s always listened to the voices of his players and I’ve always respected him for that. He’s given us an opportunity that when we feel something that’s very wrong with society, that’s very wrong with what’s going on in our communities, that we can speak upon that and use the NBA’s shield to back us and I have nothing but respect for Adam Silver.”
You understand what he means, Goodell? Good deal. Do some good by Kaepernick and apologize to him face to face, even if it’s through Zoom.
In closing … Bravo, LeBron. Bravo.