LeBron James, who has never been shy about voicing his opinions, is refusing to say if he will receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar blocked journalists when the topic came about Sunday before the NBA All-Star game.
"That's a conversation that my family and I will have. Pretty much keep that to a private thing," James said, via CBS News.
His response comes after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that it would not be mandatory for players to be vaccinated.
James has been an outspoken critic of former President Trump, made negative comments about a Tweet by a former NBA team executive who criticized China on human rights, and has donated money to social justice causes. His silence on the vaccine is an unusual change for him.
Speaking with reporters, James said he had no intentions of discussing his decision publicly.
“When you decide to do something, that's a conversation between you and your family and not for everybody. I'll keep it that way."
The NBA has created several public service announcements to encourage people to get vaccinated. League legends Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Gregg Popovich have all participated in the campaign but there are dozens of players who are wary of getting involved.
Unnamed sources speaking with ESPN last month said that the NBA’s invitations to many of the league’s best-known players to participate in public service announcements have "been met with a tepid response."
Agents and players have said their reluctance is in line with the general skepticism of the vaccine in the Black community who, according to one survey, have only expressed 38% confidence. Last season, Black players comprised 74% of the NBA teams’ rosters.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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