LeBron James, Always Taking A Stand, Suspiciously Sitting Out On Topic Of Vaccine

When it comes to the possibility of being vaccinated, LeBron James has decided to shut up and dribble.

Or in the words of the Lakers star himself, James said that vaccination to fight COVID-19 is a "private" matter to be discussed with his family only.

Keep in mind the NBA has been asking its brightest stars to push the idea of being vaccinated. Also keep in mind that James has promised not to keep quiet on important matters, such as politics and social justice.

So the fact he is being wishy-washy in answering the question about vaccination is fairly peculiar. He intends to be a leader in the community ... until he doesn't.

The problem here, of course, is plenty of NBA players have made it clear they don't trust the idea of vaccination and its perceived long-term effects. And if they haven't made it clear, they have said so privately, behind the scenes.

Another interesting aside: James said this is a "family" decision. But kids aren't eligible to receive to the vaccine. So that makes it an "adult" decision.

James has every right to question the vaccine. He has every right not to want it. But he knows no matter what answer he gives here or whatever he decides to do, an audience that he so values will be deeply offended and angry.

It seems many people from both major political parties support the idea of vaccination. Clearly, the NBA, as a business, does and is hoping to get its stars to push that agenda. But a large contingent of NBA players -- and professional athletes in general -- want nothing to do with it.

The Undefeated recently ran a report that stated half of black adults do not want and will not take the coronavirus vaccine. Soon thereafter, the ESPN-owned website ran an interview with the NBA's lead medical expert, Dr. LeRoy Sims, espousing the virtues of being vaccinated.

So LeBron's decision to stay silent on the issue is a major kick to the NBA's crotch.

Again, that is LeBron's right, but it also seems fairly hypocritical from the man who founded "More Than An Athlete," which promotes itself as "more than a platform." It is "empowerment, it's storytelling, it's about inspiring other people."

All of that is just dandy. But James acts like the world needs his opinion on every topic outside of basketball. He will tell you whom to vote for, but not whether he supports the vaccine. Funny how that works, no?