Raptorian wrote:The reason ESPN singled out Lebron is because he is supposed (or expected to be) the best player in the NBA, as well as someone who is supposedly going to transcend his own sport (like Tiger Woods, Mohammed Ali). The difference with Lebron is that he (so far) has taken little if any stances on any Political issues.
The disappointing part of this is that he is someone who could actually spur serious change within certain issues. I don't think there is any doubt that if it was Lebron, not Marbury, who launched the $9 shoe, it would have rocked the shoe industry and perhaps spur change within the conditions/locations that the majority of these shoes are made.
What political stance has Tiger taken?
Did Jordan ever speak out about kids getting shot over his shoes?
Did Lance Armstrong ever speak out against the French role in the Rwandan genocide?
Did Oscar de la Hoya ever speak out against poor employment conditions for migrant workers?
Jeff Gordon about the need to conserve gasoline?
Most Americans don't care about what goes on in China. Heck, barely half of them vote for their own President. I'm not sure why pro athletes should be expected to be super-political, when political apathy is as American as Mom and apple pie.