LeBron James’ Decision To Stand During National Anthem Should Be Supported

As athletes are deciding whether they will kneel it stand for the National Anthem, LeBron James has already made his. He will stand.

LeBron James will stand for the National Anthem, according to the Medina Gazette’s Brian Dulik, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

James has been the NBA’s face of social activism for years although Carmelo Anthony has definitively been the NBA’s face of social activism this summer. James’ background story and his status as a man of principle are well-known and well-received.

James is literally a poster child for the American Dream. Like the recently passed José Fernandez, and many other Cuban-born MLB players like Yasiel Puig, James made it out of a dangerous environment.

There was a time when James used to sleep on friend’s couches because he had no other option but being around the drug-filled environment he was raised in. In taking advantage of his God-given gifts he was granted an opportunity to make millions of dollars playing the sport he loves.

Off-the-court, James has been able to receive lucrative endorsements and partnerships with big-time franchises such as Nike, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Warner Brothers and Liverpool FC. James also has used his status and platform to help others achieve their potential. Besides his donations to the Boys & Girls Club of America, and establishing the LeBron James Family Foundation which helps families with everything from tutoring their children to helping them pay rent, James will also donated $41 million to the University of Akron for scholarship money.

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James is the biggest sports name in the world and was on Sports Illustrated covers in high school married his high school sweetheart Savannah Brinson. Together they have two sons and a baby daughter. In a way, James represents everything that America is supposed to stand for.

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Last week, there were rumblings about Cavaliers shooting guard Iman Shumpert’s decision to kneel during the National Anthem, a stance he has since backtracked from. Instead he plans to donate for every steal. The decision is less dramatic but more practical. I analyzed Shumpert’s decision to kneel and concluded that the underlying message behind kneeling during the National Anthem were reasonable given America’s current social climate. Though, as commenters pointed out, the National Anthem is protest against oppression. Kneeling during the National Anthem is a way of reminding the world what America is supposed to stand for and some feel it does not.

However, in looking at James’ decision to stand, people can see the reason why even the population that feels oppressed can stand for the flag. To start, the American Dream does exist. In addition, standing together, as a family would, is a way for a unit to perceive themselves as strong. In the face of adversity and internal conflict, standing together is important because there’s no weaker nation than one divided amongst itself.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans know that from experience. When adversity hit for the Cavs last year and there was a lot of finger-pointing and blame going around, they struggled even more. However, when they stood together, they came away with the franchise’s first NBA championship.

James’ decision to stand for the National Anthem has merit and should be supported. It doesn’t mean he or the other Cavs shouldn’t or don’t have concerns.

Kyrie Irving also cited making the world a better place for his daughter through societal progression. James voiced his concerns about his sons getting pulled over because they’re approaching the legal age to drive alone.

The violence and hatred reflects poorly upon America. Some will stand to decry the heinous acts that have gone on for years now. Some will stand in an effort to bring America together. Both sides want the same outcome. Peace, progression and prosperity.

Related Story: Americans Should Support Iman Shumperts Decision To Kneel During The National Anthem

What do you think of LeBron James’ decision to stand during the National Anthem? Let us know in the comments section or tweet @KJG_NBA and @30for30Albertie.