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LeBron James has never been the person to shy away from protests.
The four-time NBA MVP has always used his stature as one of the most recognizable athletes as a platform to demand social justice.
And in Cleveland’s home opener to the 2017-2018 season, James wore a player exclusive version of his LeBron 15 sneaker with the a gold “Equality” emblazoned on the all black shoe.
“I just wanted to keep the conversation going,” said James in an ESPN.com report. “We know what we’re going through. We know what we went through as a nation, as a world.”
“I had an opportunity to use a platform for the greater good and keep the conversation going. Why not?”
James’ message was in accordance with the protest in the NFL where players take the knee during the playing of the national anthem of the United States.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the peaceful protest in 2016 to demand the end to police brutality and raise racial equality.
James, back in 2014, wore “I can’t breath” t-shirts during the Cavs’ shootaround before their game against the Brooklyn Nets.
The words “I can’t breath” were the last ones Eric Garner, an African-American, spoke before dying in a confrontation with a New York Police Department officer.
James, also, has always been vocal of his opposition with US President Donald Trump.
The Cleveland superstar defended Golden State point guard Stephen Curry’s decision to not visit the White House for what was supposed to be the Warriors’ honorary presidential visit.