We're on the eve of one of the finest series of nights of sporting theatre of the year: the NBA finals kick off on Friday, June 2nd, and for the third year in a row, it's LeBron's Cavs against Steph's Warriors.
Ahead of Game 1, LeBron James has been subject to a horrible ordeal: his home in LA has been daubed with some racist graffiti.
The story was broken by TMZ, and has been confirmed by ESPN, and police are investigating the incident as an act of vandalism, and possibly a hate crime.
That home is in Brentwood and is not his primary residence. A spokesperson for the LAPD told AP that an unidentified person spray-painted the n-word on his gate.
LeBron spoke to the media soon after, and he spoke honestly and openly about the racism inherent in America society.
It's a strong statement that invokes the appalling treatment of Emmett Till, an African-American who was lynched in Mississippi at the age of just 14.
LeBron James Statement
On the eve of one of the greatest sporting events we have in sport, race, and what;s going on, comes again. On my behalf, and my family's behalf. I look at it this way. If this is going to shed a light, and keep the conversation going on my behalf, then I'm ok with it. My family is safe. That's most important.
It just goes to show that racism will always be part of the world, and part of America. Hate in America especially is living every day, even though it is concealed most of the time; people say something about you, then smile to your face. Hate is living every single day.
I think back to Emmett Till's mom, and the reason she had an open casket is to show the world what her son went through, as a hate crime for being black in America.
So no matter how much money you are, no matter how famous you are, no matter how admired you are....being black in America is tough.
We've got a long way to go for us as a society, until we feel equal in America. But my family is safe, and that's what's important.
Watch it below.
LeBron James responds to racial slur sprayed on front gate of his LA home with strong statement on race issues in America pic.twitter.com/CjUvCXixGB
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 31, 2017
