US First Lady, celebs, NBA players, defend LeBron vs Trump's insults
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 05 Aug 2018
United States First Lady Melania Trump, celebrities, NBA players and even media men came in defense of LeBron James against insulting statements coming from American President Donald Trump.
Melania Trump said, The Guardian reported from New York and New Orleans, ?James appeared to be doing ?good things on behalf of our next generation.?
The First Lady, even added she?s open to visiting LeBron?s new public school the NBA star called ?I Promise,? the day after her husband questioned the Los Angeles Lakers player?s intelligence.
President Trump insulted James on Friday night hours after CNN re-aired an interview with the basketball player and reporter Don Lemon. ?Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon,? Trump said. ?He made Lebron look smart, which isn?t easy to do.?
Many, including professional athletes and the Republican governor of Ohio, also came critical of Trump?s statements.
On Saturday afternoon, Melania Trump also issued a surprising, positive statement about James, but did not reference her husband.
?It looks like LeBron James is working to do good things on behalf of our next generation,? she said even as she has always done, the First Lady encourages everyone to have an open dialogue about issues facing children today.?
A separate statement coming from her spokeswoman said: ?As you know, Mrs. Trump has travelled the country and world talking to children about their well-being, healthy living, and the importance of responsible on line behavior with her Be Best initiative. Her platform centers around visiting organizations, hospitals and schools, and she would be open to visiting the I Promise School in Akron.?
Retired NBA player Michal Jordan, who the American Chief Executive Donald Trump mentioned in the tweet ? ending with ?I like Mike!? ? Jordan. Likewise, reacted in favor of LeBron.
?I support LJ,? Jordan said in a statement. ?He?s doing an amazing job for his community.?
James, one of the most prominent athletes in the US, has been critical of Trump for years.
In September 2017, James called Trump a ?bum? for rescinding his invitation to the Golden State Warriors to celebrate their basketball championship with a visit to the White House.
?Going to the White House was a great honor until you showed up!? James tweeted at the time.
In February, James explained why he was critical of the president: ?While we cannot change what comes out of that man?s mouth, we can continue to alert the people that watch us, that listen to us, that this is not the way.?
And in an interview with CNN this week, James told Lemon that Trump was ?trying to divide our sport, but at the end of the day, sport is the reason why we all come together?.
When Lemon asked: ?What would you say to the President if he was sitting right here?? James said: ?I would never sit across from him.?
Trump?s tweet on Friday night drew accusations of racism because Lemon and James are black men and had been discussing Trump?s previous attacks on black athletes in the interview.
Representative Tim Ryan, a Democrat who represents James?s hometown?s district, said: ?I think it reveals and continues to reveal that president Trump race baits.?
The sports commentator Bill Simmons tweeted: ?LeBron is a smart dude (and one of the most thoughtful athletes we have) ? this is a bullshit tweet and feels more than a little racist.?
James, meanwhile, did not join what is turning out a verbal war and instead on Saturday morning shared photos from the school he just opened.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Biggest “Crossroads” Fight Ever!
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 17 Dec 2025Donaire ready for Tsutsumi
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS CONNOR MITCHELL GETS READY FOR HIS PRO DEBUT
Tue, 16 Dec 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER 2025: Gassiev KO Pulev in 6; Mikaeljan Beats Jack for WBC Cruiser Title; Pacheco Outpoints Sadjo
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Sumalinog, Castanol rule Senior, PWD fun run
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Vargas urges boxers to defy odds
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025GIORGIO VISIOLI SETS OUT MISSION TO LAND MAJOR TITLES AFTER TENSE FIRST FACE-OFF WITH ENGLISH TITLE RIVAL JOE HOWARTH
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Kevin Brown and Yoenis Tellez Shine at Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During the 104th Annual WBA Convention
Tue, 16 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Justin Cardona Shares Insights Ahead of December 19 Showdown Against Avious Griffin
Tue, 16 Dec 2025JAS MATHUR JOINS MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS AS CEO TO LEAD STRATEGIC VISION, CREATIVITY AND GLOBAL GROWTH INITIATIVES
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Split-T Management Signs Amateur Standout Adrian Salazar
Tue, 16 Dec 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME REMEMBERS CANASTOTA’S MANAGER / TRAINER / PROMOTER TONY GRAZIANO
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Catubig, Prado win Suy Foods Santa Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 15 Dec 2025Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Awarded on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Applauds Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors for Bronze Finish at SEA Games 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025