Earlier this week, LeBron James was the victim of a hate crime after someone spray painted the ‘n-word’ on the gate of his Los Angeles home. Lebron was asked about it during the NBA Finals Media Day and spoke in detail about how difficult it is being African American in the United States as we continue to deal with racism in 2017:
“No matter how much money you have, no matter how famous you are, no matter how many people admire you, you know being black in America is tough and we got a long way to go, for us as a society and for us as African-Americans, until we feel equal in America.”
On Thursday, Fox Sports 1 loud mouth Jason Whitlock was a guest on ‘The Herd’ and stated that LeBron James, despite being the victim of a hate crime, was too rich to suffer from racism and it’s only a problem for poor people:
“Racism is an issue in America, but it’s primarily an issue for the poor. It’s not LeBron James’ issue.” – @WhitlockJason pic.twitter.com/6IqMTxIRg9
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) June 1, 2017
Many people spoke out against Whitlock’s comments including many of his colleagues but Green Bay Packers tight end Martellus Bennett was very outspoken against Whitlock’s outlandish remarks:
To say that it’s not someone’s fight because they’re rich is just ridiculous. Racism doesn’t care how much money you make.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
You don’t become out of racisms reach because you’ve cashed a few checks. Racism don’t give a shit you still a nigga in that benz.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
You still a nigga in that mansion in racisms eyes.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
For dude to sit on national television and basically say that Oprah himself and Lebron are a different black from everyone else is ludicrous
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
Racism is a living organism. A parasite. That continues to find new hosts everyday.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
Jason Whitlock you just a nigga on ESPN. Don’t forget that. ✊🏾✊🏾
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
Sorry for the rant. That shit stupid. You ain’t special because you got money. Let’s rebuild our communities not talk down on em. Spectator
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
When Whitlock responded to Bennett, the newly signed Packers tight end let it know he wasn’t backing down:
Naw I heard you loud a clear. You had a chance to be the voice of the voiceless and that’s the shit you chose to say? https://t.co/FbTiUJjVtP
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
You had a chance to spread encouragement and TRUTH on hate and injustices in America and that’s the shit you chose to say? https://t.co/FbTiUJjVtP
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
You had a chance to spark change but you tried to put out the flames spitting that shit out. https://t.co/FbTiUJjVtP
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017
I heard you bro. Your black skin is different from the poor peoples black skin. But not mine, I still have that poor black skin bruh. https://t.co/FbTiUJjVtP
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) June 1, 2017