LeBron James and the NBA have been targeted by critics for not speaking out on human rights issues in China. Stan Van Gundy had a fitting reply for them.
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When the Bucks decided to boycott their Game 5 against Magic, the NBA fraternity knew that something historic was in store. All other teams scheduled to play last night followed suit and soon the NBA was forced to postpone all of its playoff games.
The players made sure their voice was heard about bringing an end to police brutality and social injustice in America post the shooting of Jacob Blake.
Also Read: LeBron James scrutinised for silence on NBA academies in China abusing athletes
LeBron James, who has always been at the forefront when it comes to talking about social injustice wanted to bring the season to a halt.
However, the NBA has now decided to resume playoff games, with players demanding more from team owners when it comes to enforcing change in the society.
But amidst this backdrop of social justice, fans have pointed out a poignant issue on social media, calling out LeBron James and the NBA for remaining silent about human rights issues in China
LeBron James and NBA stay away from China Human rights issue
The NBA ran into massive trouble in 2019, when Daryl Morey of the Rockets tweeted out in support of Hong Kong. Thus led to wide spread anger in China regarding the NBA and broadcast of games in many provinces was cancelled.
LeBron James came to NBAs rescue by saying that Morey wasn’t quite informed on the issue and that is tweet was naive.
“I don’t want to get into a word- or sentence-feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand,” LeBron had said.
Hong Kong activists till date have been calling out LeBron for his comments then and for his continued silence on China’s oppression of Hong Kong. The Lakers star has also remained silent over other human rights issues plaguing China, largely because of NBAs massive deal with the country.
Fans call out LeBron James, Stan Van Gundy gives response
LeBron has been championing the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement in America, setting up a ‘voting’ organisation and using his platform to spread awareness about social injustice.
He has been pretty vocal in the Bubble about the NBA Boycott and has also been tweeting on social media about Jacob Blake’s shooting. All of this has led to fans calling him out for his silence on the China human rights issue yet again.
So Lebron, you don’t care about the 1M Ughurs doing slave labor in China (some making sneakers),You don’t care about the 8,000 Black on Black murder victims, You Don’t care about more black babies aborted in NYC than born. But, you do care about the 10-20 killed by cops annually
— Bret Jensen (@bret_jensen) August 26, 2020
Also, if Lebron truly wanted to focus on individuals human rights he would fight the NBA from doing business with China. China for a fact treat their people like dogs. For the most part worse than US dogs. I guess based on his situation with China only money matters!
— EricB (@EBachkoff) August 21, 2020
Stan Van Gundy came to LeBron and the NBAs rescue by asking naysayers if they had been working ‘tirelessly’ to improve the social situation in China.
NBA players protesting racial injustice seems to have motivated many Twitter followers to take an interest in human rights in China. I am sure those who use China to criticize NBA players are working tirelessly and giving generously to further the cause of human rights in China.
— Stan Van Gundy (@realStanVG) August 27, 2020
A lot of NBA and LeBron James fans have been supporting them, as they feel LeBron can only mainly speak about the social issues that govern his country.
