LeBron James addresses since-deleted tweet about police shooting in Columbus

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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James addressed a since-deleted tweet regarding a police-involved shooting in Columbus, Ohio.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James addressed the public on Wednesday after deleting a tweet in regards to a police-involved shooting in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday that led to the death of 16-year-old Black girl, Ma’Khia Bryant. James sent out a since-deleted tweet that contained a photo of the officer believed to be responsible for Bryant’s death with a caption reading, “you’re next,” and the hashtag “accountability.”

James received a lot of backlash for the social media post, ultimately causing the Lakers forward to delete the tweet altogether.

After deleting the aforementioned tweet, James addressed his decision to delete the photo, saying the tweet was “being used to create more hate.” You can read James’ full response in the two tweets below:

ANGER does any of us any good and that includes myself! Gathering all the facts and educating does though! My anger still is here for what happened that lil girl. My sympathy for her family and may justice prevail! 🙏🏾✊🏾🤎👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 21, 2021

I’m so damn tired of seeing Black people killed by police. I took the tweet down because its being used to create more hate -This isn’t about one officer. it’s about the entire system and they always use our words to create more racism. I am so desperate for more ACCOUNTABILITY
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 21, 2021

LeBron James deletes tweet regarding the Columbus, Ohio police-involved shooting on Tuesday

James ended his statement by stating that all he is “desperate for more accountability.” James tweeted out “accountability” on Tuesday after a jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin found guilty for second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in regards to the death of George Floyd last summer.

On Wednesday, Columbus police released body cam footage from the incident, showing Bryant charge at two other females with a knife. Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently reviewing the incident, per the Associated Press.

The Lakers star has been sidelined with a high right ankle sprain suffered in a March 20 game against the Atlanta Hawks. Through 41 games this season, James is averaging 25.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game.

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