Whether we want to admit it or not, racism is still a big issue in American society. As it turns out, professional athletes are not safe from racism either, as they can also be the victims. We've often seen shades of racism on the playing field but also off the field as well. Athletes have been in many uncomfortable situations over the years in regards to racism and the latest example shows that even superstars and most famous athletes of the world can be affected by racism.
On Wednesday morning, it was reported that LeBron James' house in West Los Angeles was vandalized with a Racial Slur.
Racial slur painted on the gate
The news was first reported by TMZ, as the Los Angeles police were informed on Wednesday morning that this incident happened.
Reportedly, "the n-word" was painted on the gate of this extravagant LeBron James' house in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Los Angeles Police Department officer Aareon Jefferson spoke to CNN and said that by the time the police arrived at the property, the graffiti had been painted over already. Reportedly, police are investigating this as an act of vandalism and hate crime. The police also told CNN that they can't confirm if the house was burgled. James has been a role model during his entire career and it's hard to understand why and how something like this can happen.
James was not at home when this incident occurred as he is currently with his Cleveland Cavaliers in Oakland, getting ready for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
He bought the house in 2015 for the price of nearly $21 million. The mansion was designed by mansion specialist Ken Ungar and this 9,440-square-foot estate isn't LeBron's primary residence as he currently lives in Ohio.
Police investigating “racially motivated slur” spray-painted on gate of LeBron James' Los Angeles home, police say. https://t.co/sHd3L25G3I pic.twitter.com/CG1EBLQH0U
— ABC News (@ABC) 31. svibnja 2017.
LeBron is known for giving back to the community
The Cleveland Cavaliers' superstar is one of the most famous athletes in the world and he is well known for his charity work over the years.
He owns a family foundation that sends kids to college every year. Therefore, it comes as a surprise that there are ignorant people who will go that far and vandalize his home.
Truth to be told, ever since LeBron came into the league at 18 years old, he's been one of the most hated and most scrutinized athletes. One of the things that made him unpopular, to say the least, was ESPN's TV special called "The Decision" in 2010, when he decided to leave the Cavaliers and join the Miami Heat.
It was a half-hour show where LeBron revealed his choice for the team he would go on to play for four years. James, later on, went to donate $2.5 million of the proceeds from "The Decision" to Boys and Girls Clubs of America that helps give all children equal opportunities and provides after school mentoring and activities.
Whether you like him or not, you cannot deny his greatness. He is a three-time NBA champion, four-time league MVP and he continues to build his legacy. On Thursday night, the Cavaliers will play the Warriors in Game 1 of this year's NBA Finals and this will mark the seventh straight time LeBron James has reached the NBA finals.
