Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reached a new career height on Saturday when he became the NBA’s second all-time leading scorer.
During an eventual loss to the Washington Wizards, James surpassed Utah Jazz legend Karl Marone’s 36,928-point mark midway through the second quarter.
Unfortunately, this weekend wasn’t all positive for James.
He also found himself in hot water for controversial comments he made regarding new Cleveland Browns quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
Watson was acquired by the Browns last week from the Houston Texans and offered a five-year, $230 million contract. That deal puts him in rarified air – the most guaranteed money ever in an NFL agreement.
James was giddy over the move and didn’t shy away from expressing his excitement on social media:
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾. YESSIR!!!!! #LFG 🐶🐶🐶 https://t.co/DXirS6DZ6f
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 18, 2022
That understandably rubbed some folks the wrong way, given that Watson still faces 22 civil lawsuits and an NFL investigation over countless sexual misconduct allegations.
The reactions poured in immediately:
YOU HAVE A DAUGHTER
— Sarah Tiana (@sarahtiana) March 18, 2022
I think a lot of people that look up to you and feel empowered by all you have done, will feel really hurt by you tweeting this.
— Megan Gailey (@megangailey) March 18, 2022
Well I’m all done w sports now. Disappointment after disappointment https://t.co/9gHyWDEKyW
— Cleveland Browns (@BrownsAllAccess) March 20, 2022
LeBum has a daughter, yet he supports a guy that currently has 22 civil suits against him for sexual assault. What a disgrace. https://t.co/aYnp3TCQZt
— Hogs_AllDay™ (@Hogs_AllDay) March 19, 2022
Done with @KingJames forever
Didn’t expect him to be pro sexual assault https://t.co/5jsejmE0gp
— Kevin Costa (@KCosta_41) March 19, 2022
I thought you are about family values @KingJames Why would you support someone who still is not cleared in civil suites. #disappointed https://t.co/T1rSlFfdAQ
— Himmy B (@HimmyB) March 19, 2022
Last week a grand jury declined to indict Watson, paving the way for the Browns deal and a return to the NFL. Clearly that was enough for James, even if it wasn’t for many others.
Watson is obviously moving on with his life, as evidenced by the massive celebration he had with his girlfriend Jilly Anais after the grand jury cleared him. James appears to be following suit.
This isn’t the first time in recent months that James has found himself on the wrong side of the internet’s ire. Something similar happened when he opted to post a controversial meme regarding current societal events.
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/sLXvYusTC3
— Game 7 (@game7__) March 20, 2022
For better or worse, James has seemingly reached the point where he isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers. Especially online.
This most recent incident is just the latest example of that.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
