LeBron James Just Sent a Powerful Message About the Tragic Death of Ericka Weems
As one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, LeBron James commands incredible respect whenever he speaks. And it when comes to social justice matters, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar certainly has never been afraid to voice his opinion.
So it should come as no surprise that James just sent a powerful message about the tragic death of Ericka Weems, the 37-year-old sister of Cleveland Cavaliers director of scouting Brandon Weems.
LeBron James continues to speak up about tough topics
Beyond his accomplishments on the court, LeBron James utilizes his platform as a professional athlete to affect change. Earlier this year, the 35-year-old secured a $100 million investment to launch SpringHill Company, a media company aimed at giving a voice to Black creators and consumers.
The NBA superstar also donated $100,000 to help pay court debts for former felons in the state of Florida so they could register to vote.
Of course, James also delivered some powerful words in the wake of Breonna Taylor’s tragic death.
“We want the cops arrested who committed that crime,” he said back in July. “Obviously in the state of Kentucky, what’s going down there, I know a lot of people are feeling the same. And us as the NBA, and us as the players, and me as one of the leaders of this league, I want her family to know and I want the state of Kentucky to know that we feel for it and we want justice.”
Even after the Lakers clinched the No. 1 seed back in August, their biggest star refused to stay silent about social justice matters. This time, James spoke about George Floyd, whose death added another layer to the police brutality narrative.
“You think about 8 minutes and 46 seconds, an officer having his knee on someone’s throat for that long. Video or no video, it doesn’t matter,” James said. “No one deserved to lose their life when it could have been prevented from what I’ve seen and from what the world has seen.”
The Lakers star just sent a powerful message about the tragic death of Ericka Weems
On Monday, the body of Ericka Weems, the sister of Cavaliers executive Brandon Weems, was found in the bedroom of her home in Akron, Ohio. According to ESPN, the 37-year-old was the victim of a gunshot wound to the head.
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Police have not identified any suspects or made any arrests as of Nov. 5.
For LeBron James, Weems’ senseless death hit particularly close to home. Brenda Lewis-Weems, who passed away in 2006, was not only Ericka’s mother but also James’ godmother. Brandon Weems grew up playing basketball with the future NBA star.
On Wednesday, James took to Twitter to deliver a powerful message about the tragic death of Ericka Weems.
“My brother’s sister was murdered this past weekend in her home! My brother family need answers to why and by whom,” James wrote as part of his tweet. “My city I need y’all to go to work and find out who did this awful, shameful, disgusting thing to such a caring, loving angel!”
James deserves praise for using his platform to make a difference
As the search for justice continues for Ericka Weems’ family, it should serve as a stark reminder of the importance of LeBron James’ words and actions. The NBA superstar deserves praise for using his platform as a professional athlete to make a difference.
While an arrest has yet to be made, perhaps by issuing a public challenge to his hometown, justice will be served one day. If anything, putting a spotlight on Weems’ tragic death could result in new leads for law enforcement.
Ultimately, James’ dominance on the basketball court helped him become one of the most popular and powerful athletes to ever live. He’s gone from a high-school prodigy to a father, husband, mentor, and role model.
If pro athletes like LeBron James continue to speak up about tough topics, people from other walks of life may gain a better understanding of the issues that continue to persist in our country.
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