Updated March 4th, 2021 at 10:13 IST
Enes Kanter, Jeremy Lin support LeBron James; weigh in on Zlatan Ibrahimovic comments
Enes Kanter and Jeremy Lin come forward in LeBron James' support, call out AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic about his comments on King James and politics.
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A few days ago, AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic commented on LeBron James, and how the Los Angeles Lakers star should stay away from voicing his political opinion. While Ibrahimovic explained his views, he had already been called out by fans and other athletes. Many James fans defended and supported the NBA icon, happy that he is using his platform to raise his voice against matters like inequality and police brutality.
Also read | Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'Dumb As Hell' for caustic LeBron James comments, says Baron Davis
Enes Kanter, Jeremy Lin react to Zlatan Ibrahimovic comments
On his Instagram story, Jeremy Lin spoke about the Zlatan-James situation. As per the 32-year-old player (often speaking up on social and political issues), no one seems to complain about donations athletes make. However, according to Lin, when an athlete chooses to voice their opinion instead of shelling out money, people have a problem.
No, what divides humanity is dictators and authoritarians.
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) March 3, 2021
When athletes speak up,it’s not for fun or attention. It’s to hold these regimes accountable
When you are arrogant and have no empathy or sympathy & only care for yourself, you can tell people not to stand up for justice https://t.co/EmeChQOhvm
Enes Kanter chose to tweet about Zlatan's words. He explained that when an athlete speaks up, it is not for fun and attention, but for holding the regimes accountable. He further slammed Ibrahimovic for his comments, adding that only someone arrogant can tell people not to stand up for justice.
Also read | LeBron James called 'Chinese finger puppet' in EPIC insult from UFC star Colby Covington
Zlatan on LeBron James
‘I don’t like when people, when they have some kind of status, and they do politics at the same time as what they are doing.’
— theScore (@theScore) February 26, 2021
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says LeBron James and other high profile athletes should simply stick to sports. 👀
(🎥: @dplus_sportSE) pic.twitter.com/zDHzKbWnJt
While speaking to UEFA and Discovery+ Sweden, Ibrahimovic spoke about athletes in general, and how they should refrain from getting into political discussions. He went ahead and spoke about LeBron James and how an athlete should stay an athlete. "He’s phenomenal, but I don’t like when people with a ‘status’ speak about politics. Do what you’re good doing," he said.
LeBron responded after Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized him for his activism.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 27, 2021
“I’m kind of the wrong guy to actually go at because I do my homework.” pic.twitter.com/VyKgBrYuiz
James also responded to Ibrahimovic, stating that he will not stop speaking up on what matters. "There’s no way I would ever just stick to sports, because I understand this platform and how powerful my voice is," James said while talking to the reporters.
Also read | Zlatan Ibrahimovic clarifies LeBron James comments: 'Politics Divides The World'
LeBron James activism
When James started playing, he seldom spoke about political issues. However, with Donald Trump being elected as president, James became increasingly vocal about issues surrounding the country. Last year, James and other NBA players took a strong stand against police brutality as the Black Lives Matter movement took over the nation.
James even worked on voting, starting More Than a Vote before the November elections. Fans have supported James, most of them looking forward to someone like him take a stand. However, the 'shut and dribble' narrative has also been spoken about often, extending to both NBA and WNBA players.
Also read | Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes dig at NBA star LeBron James, asks him to stay out of politics
(Image credits: Enes Kanter, LeBron James and Zlatan Ibrahimovic Instagram)
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Published March 4th, 2021 at 10:13 IST
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