LeBron James’ one-word response to Derek Chauvin verdict

The Lakers star has been one of sport’s most outspoken athletes on racial injustice and police brutality

Jack Rathborn
Wednesday 21 April 2021 04:30 EDT
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

LeBron James has responded to former police officer Derek Chauvin being found guilty of murdering George Floyd with one word: “Accountability”.

The Los Angeles Lakers star, who has continually used his status to push the agenda surrounding social issues, reacted after the jury deliberated for 10 hours before arriving at a unanimous verdict.

The NBA in general has played a key role in protests against racial injustice and police brutality, with the league’s commissioner Adam Silver and National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts releasing a joint statement after Wednesday’s verdict.

“George Floyd’s murder was a flash point for how we look at race and justice in our country, and we are pleased that justice appears to have been served,” the statement read.

“But we also recognise that there is much work to be done and the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, together with our newly-formed Social Justice Coalition, will redouble our efforts to advocate for meaningful change in the areas of criminal justice and policing.”

James also reacted in disgust to the Las Vegas Raiders’ post following the verdict, which included the phrase “I can breathe” with the date.

James quoted the tweet and added: “This is real???? Nah man this ain’t it at all. The F^%K!!!!”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in