The reaction is pouring in after Donald Trump’s racist tweet about LeBron James and CNN’s Don Lemon. The most surprising statement comes from the First Lady who is clearly contradicting her husband’s thoughts on the basketball superstar. Melania Trump’s spokeswoman told CNN:
“It looks like LeBron James is working to do good things on behalf of our next generation and just as she always has, the First Lady encourages everyone to have an open dialogue about issues facing children today. As you know, Mrs. Trump has traveled the country and world talking to children about their well-being, healthy living, and the importance of responsible online behavior with her Be Best initiative.”
“[The first lady’s] platform centers around visiting organizations, hospitals and schools, and she would be open to visiting the I Promise School in Akron.”
Another First Lady is also chiming in, another one of Trump’s favorite targets on twitter Hillary Clinton.
.@KingJames is a great family man, incredible ballplayer, gives back to his community, and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. He’s a world class athlete and a class act. We need more like him in this world.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 4, 2018
Trump’s tweet said, “Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!”
People speculated the Mike in question was Michael Jordan. Jordan’s spokesperson gave NBC a statement saying, “I support L.J. He’s doing an amazing job for his community.”
John Kasich, Governor of Ohio, where James just opened a school for at-risk children (his home state) also reacted to Trump’s tweet.
Rather than criticizing @KingJames, we should be celebrating him for his charity work and efforts to help kids.
By the way, all-around he’s better than Michael Jordan. That’s a fact.
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) August 4, 2018
James’ new team, the Lakers also issued a statement saying:
“We could not be more proud to have LeBron James as part of our Lakers family. He is an incredibly thoughtful and intelligent leader and clearly appreciates the power that sports has to unite communities and inspire the world to be a better place. Those efforts should be celebrated by all.”
Several prominent people in the sports world are also coming to James defense.
Not only was @realDonaldTrump tweet about @KingJames totally wrong, it’s inexcusable and petty. Don’t want to hear about our collective need to rise above such nonsense as a nation when we don’t demand it enough from the @POTUS.#SAD
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 4, 2018
This is a late night tweet from the PRESIDENT. This tweet is immature and offensive. I would like to know why he considers these two successful black men “dumb”. I know why. Some of y’all need to start believing what he is showing you. ??♂️ https://t.co/iE79LtGqBz
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) August 4, 2018
Keep doing you @KingJames! ?? https://t.co/LOFVdQgyYr
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) August 4, 2018
Statement to USA TODAY Sports from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who is in Johannesburg, South Africa for the third NBA Africa Game (in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation), in response to President Trump’s tweet about LeBron James and CNN’s Don Lemon pic.twitter.com/5Q01VX0bt6
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) August 4, 2018
As for James, he hasn’t responded to Trump’s message. It seems he is taking the high road. His only tweet today was about the kids his new school is helping.
Let’s get it kids!! Love you guys https://t.co/kY88geedus
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 4, 2018