(Headline USA) NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom blasted LeBron James this week, arguing the NBA star should leave the U.S. if he hates it so much.
Freedom’s dig came after James suggested that WNBA player Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia for possession of marijuana, should consider staying there rather than returning to the U.S.
“Now, how can she feel like America has her back?” James asked. “I would be feeling like, ‘Do I even wanna go back to America?’”
James later tried to clarify the remarks, claiming he hadn’t meant them as a knock on “our beautiful country.”
My comments on “The Shop” regarding Brittney Griner wasn’t knocking our beautiful country. I was simply saying how she’s probably feeling emotionally along with so many other emotions, thoughts, etc inside that cage she’s been in for over 100+ days! Long story short #BringHerHome
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 13, 2022
But Freedom wasn’t buying it.
“You are free to leave buddy or you can even volunteer for an exchange for her,” he said. “Some people literally have NO idea what is it like to live in a dictatorship. Keep taking your freedom for granted.”
You call it a step back, we call this a walk back.
You are free to leave buddy or you can even volunteer for an exchange for her.
Some people literally have NO idea what is it like to live in a dictatorship.
Keep taking your freedom for granted. https://t.co/RG28O6co1E pic.twitter.com/QqpPuLrB72
— Enes FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) July 13, 2022
Freedom has accused the NBA of black-balling him due to his outspoken criticism of China. He argued that the reason so many other players, like James, don’t speak out is because of “fear.”
“Many of the athletes, not just from the NBA, but all around every league, or coaches or people who has anything to do with sports, are scared to support me out loud,” Freedom said.
“Whenever I have a conversation privately, they’re like, ‘Listen, man. You know, we love you. We support you. We’re going to pray for you. But we just cannot do it out loud.’ And I was like, ‘Okay.’”
