LeBron James got into Jerry Jones chat after media criticism about the difference in coverage of Dallas Cowboys owners and Kyrie Irving.
And online reactions were everywhere, from questioning whether the move was real to welcoming James’ most recent comments. Others say that the focus is not on Bron at all but on the larger conversation about Black coverage in public controversy and the harsher consequences for Blacks’ cancel’.
During Wednesday’s press conference, the athlete swapped roles with reporters and put them in a dilemma. As for James, the media continued to attack Irving while it was still hot and lukewarm – flooded with interviews with Kyrie’s questions. But LeBron says reporters haven’t kept the same energy when it comes to Jerry Jones.
“I was wondering why I didn’t get any questions from you guys about the Jerry Jones photo, but as the Kyrie incident unfolded, you guys were quick to question us about it.” LeBron said.
Someone turned off the camera and tried to cut in, but LeBron cut them off. He declined the need to answer before concluding his point.
“When I watched Kyrie talk, he said, ‘I know who I am, but I want to keep the energy intact when we talk about who we are and the things we’ve been through. And that Jerry Jones photo is one of those moments that our people, the Blacks, have experienced in America,” Lebron said.
He continued, saying it was his responsibility as a “Black man, black athlete” and someone “with strength and a foundation” to talk about the topic.
“When we do something wrong or something people disagree with, it’s on every tabloid, every news story, it’s at the bottom of the marker board, it’s on,” James said. asked about it every day,” James said.
James said he understands the photo is old – 65 years to be exact – and that people make mistakes. However, he says the story seems to be buried.
“…it looks like it just got buried under the question of ‘oh, it happened, okay, let’s move on, and I’m a bit disappointed that I haven’t received that question from you,’” LeBron said.
Social media on photo of LeBron addressing Jones
Scroll to see a series of reactions to LeBron’s appeal–then keep scrolling for more of the Jerry Jones photo and LeBron’s previous comments on Kyrie.
I also see a lot of people saying that LeBron threw Kyrie under the bus, and now he’s saving face.
I disagree. In my opinion, LBJ denounced hate of any kind — and Kyrie apologized as well — that’s all.
The bigger point is generally a double standard for Blacks.
– Dr. Wes Bellamy (@DrWesBellamy) December 2, 2022
For all of you who are saying that it’s pointless for the media to ask LeBron about this, remember that he grew up as a Cowboys fan and recently said that he no longer supports the Cowboys because Jerry Jones’s response to Colin Kaepernick’s objections. LeBron is spot on. https://t.co/t8rEEMfgc7
– Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) December 1, 2022
The Jerry Jones picture has been out for a week plus skipping and Shannon talking about cowboys 3 hours a day.. they had time to discuss Jerry Jones just like they did with the kyrie. Now as soon as lebron James stands up, I wish we had a show today, lmao cmn pic.twitter.com/aSbGZAnOTN
— John (@iam_johnw) December 1, 2022
We can all go back and forth about what lebron said or what jerry jones did or why he should or shouldn’t ask that question. but there’s no amount of argument/disagreement there that changes his POINT – it’s racial issues framed differently according to the color of an individual’s skin
– Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) December 1, 2022
I’m not sure why Lebron would expect someone to ask him about Jerry Jones. I just don’t get the correlation.
What soccer players did they ask when the Clippers owner was caught racist on the ice?
Like why would a reporter think to do that? I don’t understand.
– WedgeBuster🍢 (@WedgeBuster88) December 1, 2022
Yes…great location LeBron…don’t just shut up and dribble…call the media for their inherent bias towards Black Athletes…is it Brady or Roger or any QB asked about Farve or Jones…not because they are men…period! https://t.co/IUO5uj6xbo
– From Windy City (@ChewsViews) December 1, 2022
I don’t like Lebron. But he doesn’t condemn JJ either. He just wondered why they were more interested in Kyrie than JJ. and that’s a valid question. Sharing a video link with being on the white side of Little Rock 9 is… not the same thing.
— miles.high ➐ (@HailState_CO) December 2, 2022
LeBron immediately gave his opinion on Kap. follow-up question
This Jerry Jones photo fell 7-8 days ago. You know 90% of the time whenever he tweets it shows up everywhere and the questions follow. He is also silent about this. Maybe the news got lost because of Thanksgiving week
– Ray (@R84rd) December 1, 2022
Jerry Jones Photo Story Seems To Be Buried, James James Says
Close-up photo of North Little Rock High School. Jerry Jones wears a striped shirt, on the right the camera is raised. Photo: William P Straeter/AP pic.twitter.com/nIzbHHk84H
– Mane Quest game (@manequestgaming) December 2, 2022
Last week, washington articles published a sweeping look at Jones’ decades-long impact on the future of the NFL – despite never recruiting a black head coach.
WP discovered the image of 14-year-old Jones standing in a crowd of white students terrorizing Black students in September 1957 in a high school undergoing integration. Jones claims he’s there to monitor and not harass or racist insults – like his classmates.
“I don’t know that I or anyone has been involved or has background to know…what’s involved. Jones said.
Although photos and by WP Reportedly, the news barely sent the wave Kyrie’s tweet did. It was published on November 23 but had no effect on the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving win or Jones’ public peace. By Monday, the world seemed to have moved on.
Meanwhile, Kyrie has a list of public requests
In early November, Irving issued a public apology for sharing a link to an anti-Semitic film. He initially refused to denounce the film’s point of view that sent the media into a frenzy. Mass media appearances do not improve headlines. At one session, he said that he “are not [mean] cause any harm,” but he is not “someone who made a documentary.”
Shortly after, the Brooklyn Nets suspended Irving without pay for five games and then the roster.
Source: The Nets gave Kyrie Irving six items he must complete in order to return to the team:
– Apology/condemnation movie
– Donate $500K to anti-hate activities
– Practice sensitivity
– Anti-epidemic training
– Meet ADL, Jewish leaders
– Meet Joe Tsai to show understanding– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2022
Hours after the suspension news broke, Kyrie issued a lengthy apology to Jewish families and those affected by his tweet.
“I would like to clarify any confusion about my stance on the fight against anti-Semitism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation stating specific beliefs in the Documentary that I agree with and disagree with,” Kyrie said. “I have no intention of disparaging any Jewish cultural history related to the Holocaust or perpetuating any hatred. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding among all of us. I am no different from any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I am.”
On November 5, James stepped away from hate and agreed that Irving was damaging with his tweet.
“Personally, I do not condone any hatred towards any form, towards any race. To my Jewish community, Black community, Asian community. You know where I stand,” LeBron said at the time. “I believe what Kyrie has done has harmed a lot of people. And he did some damage, and I think that’s unfortunate.”
Kyrie Irving did not respond to James’ press comment.
