LeBron James horrified millions of Americans when he singled out a Columbus police officer for targeted harassment.
It was a public relations nightmare for James.
And now LeBron James’ anti-police rant came back to haunt the NBA in this insane way.
LeBron James caused an uproar by tweeting out a picture of the police officer that stopped 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant from potentially killing another girl in a knife attack by shooting and killing Bryant.
James’ tweet included the caption “you’re next,” which many believed opened up the officer to threats of assassination.
The blowback was massive.
And one Ohio bar owner is now refusing to show NBA games in protest.
Jay Linneman – the owner of Linnies Pub, posted on Facebook that his establishment would no longer show NBA games over LeBron James’ anti-police rants.
“If anyone wants to watch an NBA game, don’t come to Linnie’s Pub. We will not air them until Lebron James has been expelled from the NBA,” Linneman wrote on social media.
“We will not air them until LeBron James has been expelled from the NBA. They just need to play the game, and that’s it,” Linneman added. “Their opinion doesn’t really matter. They’re using their position to push their opinions, and that’s just not right.”
The NBA is experiencing massive ratings declines as the league’s Black Lives Matter activism alienated fans that just wanted to watch a sporting event.
LeBron James doesn’t care that his constant political statements are driving away fans.
James mocked the episode on social media.
Aww Damn! I was headed there to watch our game tonight and have a drink! Welp. 🥴 https://t.co/RRfRksjckM
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 24, 2021
But if the NBA chases its fans away and can’t deliver ratings, it will start to affect the league when they look to renew their TV rights deals.
Sports with Balls will keep you up-to-date on any new developments in this ongoing story.