The world of basketball has rallied around LeBron James after he was criticised by Zlatan Ibrahimovic over his social activism.
James has used his platform as one of the globe's most recognisable sporting stars to tackle issues such as voting rights and social injustice,
Ibrahimovic started the row last month when he insisted that sport stars getting involved in political movements 'doesn't look good'.
The LA Lakers star hit back, insisting he is never someone who is going to just 'shut up about things that are wrong', insisting he is more than an athlete.
And those within his sport have come to his defence too, following the Swede's attack.
Portland Trailblazer star Enes Kanter has been outspoken about the Erdogan regime in Turkey and spoke of the importance for stars to do what they can to fight injustice.
'Someone has to tell Ibrahimovic that there is a difference between political opinions and speaking out against persecution, oppression and calling out dictators,' he said.
'Black Lives Matter is not a political statement, we are speaking against oppression. In the United States we call it freedom of expression.'
Former NBA All-Star Baron Davis was more critical of the former Manchester United striker.
In a Twitter post he wrote: 'Zlatan stay yo a** out of LA. Galaxy suck anyway. And you dumb as hell. Take that stolen Zoohan look and give it back to Sandler.'
Meanwhile, another former star, Jeremy Lin, pointed to the hypocrisy within the world outside of sport when it comes to engagement with professional athletes.
Picking up on Ibrahimovic's argument on why James shouldn't speak out, Lin wrote: When athletes donate money from the salaries they earn, no one seems to have a problem accepting it.
'When athletes speak from the platform they earn, then we have problems? Double standards.'
meocemrsty
1
zlatan ...just mind your own business
koobcdlmru
0
It seems like you know everything. You and LeBron laying in bed at nights so he told you all his plans and motives. If a wealthy person or a rich sports star do good they are doing it for either publicity stunt or to make money, if they don't do good and help anyone while buying 4 houses and 10 Ferrari they are selfish. What the hell do you people want them to do??? To make matters worst of a poor speak out or using a fraction of what he has to help you all still don't give them any credit you all say they're fools. People like like you are so confusing. Leave LeBron alone. If he spends of speaks for money or fame at least they are still black people, white people and all race of people that will benefit. See it's not too hard to pick positives out of situations, you should try it.
I’m not like you I don’t go on social media and let them tell me how I should live, think. I only spoke based what I saw nothing more nothing less. If you think I lie about Malcom x book just look it up. I’m ok with him being rich he made his money by being a great athlete more power to him. When u become a super star it’s ok to fight for rights but once u become political it’s not the same bro.
shanofrank
0
Ibrahim is right Lebron is fake he acts like he knows anything he don’t care about no BLM it’s just a way for him to make more money. He said he read malcom x book but when asked about he gives a 6 year old answer. He lives in a closed community that has 98% rich white people and you think he real knows what black people are going through. Think again
It seems like you know everything. You and LeBron laying in bed at nights so he told you all his plans and motives. If a wealthy person or a rich sports star do good they are doing it for either publicity stunt or to make money, if they don't do good and help anyone while buying 4 houses and 10 Ferrari they are selfish. What the hell do you people want them to do??? To make matters worst of a poor speak out or using a fraction of what he has to help you all still don't give them any credit you all say they're fools. People like like you are so confusing. Leave LeBron alone. If he spends of speaks for money or fame at least they are still black people, white people and all race of people that will benefit. See it's not too hard to pick positives out of situations, you should try it.
boydaza
0
U and him are two f....ing fools
MESUT OZIL lose his place at arsenal due to engagement in politics. Ibra is right and you have to understand it. Even PiQUE encountered with it when tried to engage in CATALAN issues
boydaza
0
Zlatan I hope you have heard...next time be careful of what you speak before people..
don't be stupid. check out what happened to ozil an you will understand what ibra means.
boydaza
3
zlatan is right! sometimes you can lose fans because you entered some political activities. THINK ABOUT MESUT OZIL SITUATION AT ARSENAL AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT IBRA MEANS.
Giftxix
6
It’s the same reason why stars like Muhammad Ali been called great athletes in history bcz they were more than just athletes. They were also able to see wrongs and spoke about them openly in defense of the voiceless
baebclnstu
0
Zlatan is correct.
U and him are two f....ing fools
koobcdlmru
0
Shut u sound like a fool u are the only fake punk
So u telling me I’m not telling the truth?
baebclnstu
0
Ibrahim is right Lebron is fake he acts like he knows anything he don’t care about no BLM it’s just a way for him to make more money. He said he read malcom x book but when asked about he gives a 6 year old answer. He lives in a closed community that has 98% rich white people and you think he real knows what black people are going through. Think again
Shut u sound like a fool u are the only fake punk
baebclnstu
0
Ibrahim is right Lebron is fake he acts like he knows anything he don’t care about no BLM it’s just a way for him to make more money. He said he read malcom x book but when asked about he gives a 6 year old answer. He lives in a closed community that has 98% rich white people and you think he real knows what black people are going through. Think again
Shut u sound live a fool u are the only fake punk
koobcdlmru
4
Ibrahim is right Lebron is fake he acts like he knows anything he don’t care about no BLM it’s just a way for him to make more money. He said he read malcom x book but when asked about he gives a 6 year old answer. He lives in a closed community that has 98% rich white people and you think he real knows what black people are going through. Think again
itx_chi
2
I mean zlatan does have a point speaking about racial prejudice and highlighting that there's a problem is fine but when u venture in publicly calling out a politician and openly support the other when they were in power while racism was still very much a problem is pretty contradictory
Olenewslogan
3
Zlatan I hope you have heard...next time be careful of what you speak before people..
JosuaNdikum
5
sometimes people needed a Villian to give reason to their actions. Zlatan is being villified for no good reason. If he was just ignored nothing will have happened. But now it is as if putting down Zlatan will help the cause they are fighting for
Gerhard11
0
Say Thanks You Not In Sweden 🔥Where Politic Sucks
woyacmuz
2
Zlatan is out of line and he deserves all these criticisms and more.
Sommerfan01
1
nicely said Jeremy Lin
Are you from Japan
OnileArsenal
2
I don't really understand why there should be much anger and criticism in this issue. People should have their say when it comes to condemning evil act especially against the people that don't have say I'm the society.
Omarh
3
Zlatan with his big mouth Always saying trash 🗑
Milanforever23-5
3
Zlatan is correct.
Duoeikmot
4
nicely said Jeremy Lin