Shortly after saying LeBron James has done things that are “embarrassing” and “are beneath him,” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar released a statement, clarifying his criticism of the current Lakers star.
In an email sent to the Los Angeles Times on Sunday afternoon, Abdul-Jabbar elaborated on his thoughts about James as an activist. He called the Lakers forward a “daunting hero” and explained that his full comments about James were simply a recap of remarks he has made in the past.
“Over the years, I’ve been asked to comment on and write about LeBron James,” Abdul-Jabbar began. “A couple years ago, I wrote an article for Sports Illustrated about LeBron as a Sportsperson of the Year in which I said: ‘[T]his generation couldn’t do any better in the hero department than LeBron James. Part of being a hero is to have both the modesty to feel unworthy of such a heavy word and the strength to accept the responsibility that comes with others looking to you to be that hero. What is a hero but someone who stands up for those who can’t? Who embodies our cherished ideals of sportsmanship: fair play, hard work and compassion? That pretty much describes the LeBron James I’ve watched and come to know since he was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA draft and was named Rookie of the Year.’ In the two years since I wrote that, my respect and admiration has only grown for LeBron as I watched him champion worthwhile causes while maintaining his status as an elite athlete. As he closes is on my all-time scoring record, I have been a cheerleader urging him on, happy to pass the mantle to someone so worthy as an athlete and a person.
