Soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimović commented on Lebron’s political presence in recent interviews. The King responds.
For decades there have been many athletes that have had a part in the political spectrum and participated in social activism. Athletes such as Muhammad Ali and Kareem-Abdul Jabbar have set the path in stone for the likes of Lebron James, Colin Kaepernick, and Megan Rapinoe to take on the goal of social equality.
Athletes dare not take jabs at King James, as one of if not the most well-known athlete on the planet, James is not shy of responding to fans, athletes, or reporters when his views and opinions are challenged.
In an interview with Discovery+ Sport Sweden, AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimović discussed how he is against Lebron James using his platform to speak about politics. Lebron has been extremely active in the political world in the last 6 years, for he heavily endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2015 and made multiple appearances on stage with the former First Lady at her campaign rallies. Zlatan made it clear that Lebron should do what he’s good at and he should stay out of politics, while also encouraging others in a similar position as Lebron to do the same.
Zlatan’s initial comments on Lebron, via Discovery+ interview in Sweden. https://twitter.com/dplus_sportSE/status/1364957346175340544
The outspoken Swedish striker has admitted that he admires James’ talent on the court, Zlatan also admitting that it’s a “mistake” when athletes step out of their lane and involve themselves in politics, especially during high tempers in the political climate in some parts of the world.
Lebron James has had a large part in the battle for social change and political action. His ‘More Than a Vote’ organization drew more than 42,000 volunteers to work at polling stations for the November 2020 election, as well as pushed for Black people and young voters to get out to the polls for a critical election in American history. Lebron has never backed down from his political stance and will not hesitate to snap back at any figure in society with all he’s already done in politics and social activism.
Ibrahimović’s comments were not taken lightly by King James. In a post-game media session, when asked by a reporter about Zlatan’s remarks, Lebron reiterated that he would never simply stick to sports and would always use his platform for the benefit of his community.
"At the end of the day, I would never shut up about things that are wrong. I preach about my people and I preach about inequality, social injustice, racism, systematic voter suppression,...” Lebron stated. “I use my platform to continue to shed light on everything that may be going on not only in my community but around this country and around the world. There's no way I would ever just stick to sports because I understand this platform and how powerful my voice is,” he continued.
It’s clear Lebron will not change for anyone, for the livelihood of those under his wing are at stake if he ever does leave his throne.
Ibrahimović is known for being outspoken, but not in the same ways that James is. He was a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy for two seasons and the two occupied the same city for only a short time. Zlatan is far from being the only person to criticize the Laker star for using his platform to push for political and social equality. No one has succeeded in dissuading Lebron from excluding politics from his life, and it seems Zlatan Ibrahimović won’t be succeeding either.
Lebron has never been quiet about the inequality in the U.S.A.
Lebron’s response to Zlatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6loTcBrqjs
Zlatan was once again asked about Lebron after he had replied to Zlatan in a post-game media session. The former Swedish international footballer doubled down on his take of James, stating claims of politics and sports having different purposes in society.
"Racism and politics are two different things. We athletes unite the world, politics divides the world,” Zlatan said in response to his earlier Lebron comments.
Lebron James has yet to and most likely will not feed the fire and respond to Zlatan’s verbatim clarifications about the differences between sports and politics, and how they should be separated in order for the unification of people.
Zlatan’s clarification of his comments https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1366735798230540296
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