LeBron James in Hot Water over China Comments

Now that LeBron James has weighed in on Chinagate (yes, it’s a gate now), the NBA controversy truly has everything.

LeBron James finally weighed in on the situation on Monday. His views have drawn criticism, as he appeared to be sympathetic to China.

“I think when we all sit back and learn from the situation that happened, understand that what you could tweet or could say … we all talk about this freedom of speech, yes, we all do have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others, and you’re only thinking about yourself,” LeBron James said.

“I don’t want to get into a feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke. And so many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually. So just be careful what we tweet and what we say.”

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The status of LeBron means that him getting involved makes it more than just an NBA issue. It’s now a USA issue, and James has taken heat from all sides following his comments. 

Everyone from Fox Sports presenters to US senators have taken their chance to paint LeBron as anti-democracy and pro-communist. 

It has been so hysterical that James, a man who doesn’t usually back down, had to issue a clarification.

Read: Jeremy Lin Scores 40 Points on Beijing Ducks Debut

“Let me clear up the confusion,” he tweeted. “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.

“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.”