LeBron James Immediately Responds to Criticism on Twitter Regarding Comments on Daryl Morey
By Michael Luciano
LeBron James took his first stab at analyzing the complex relationship between the NBA and their Chinese market after the league was cut off from China following Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey's pro-Hong Kong protest tweets. It only made things even murkier, as James criticized Morey for a lack of education on the subject.
James took to Twitter to try and defend himself from the confusion and hostility surrounding his original comments, saying he is "not discussing the substance" of the incident.
Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet. I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk About that.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
James didn't exactly walk back his harsh feelings for Morey and his tweets. While he didn't name names in his second tweet, he did say that people "need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others" and said that Morey "could have waited a week to send [the tweet]."
Unfortunately, LeBron, that wouldn't have blunted the blowback at all.
My team and this league just went through a difficult week. I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
Expect a more professional PR statement to come out that tries to remain as unambiguous as possible, as James inadvertently threw gas on the fire with his comments.