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LeBron James’ home in Brentwood, California was vandalized with the n-word graffitied on the front gate. On Wednesday at the NBA Finals media day, James spoke out about the incident for the first time.
"No matter how much money you have, no matter how famous you are, no matter how many people admire you, being black in America is — it's tough," James said.
Los Angeles police say James’ home was vandalized early Wednesday morning. In his comments, James talked about wanting to have face-to-face conversations with his sons about the incident and said its reminder to him that basketball isn’t the most important thing in life.
"We got a long way to go for us as a society and for us as African Americans, until we feel equal in America," James said. "But my family is safe, and that's what's — that's what's important."
LeBron James responds to the vandalism incident at his home pic.twitter.com/goMoicIIit
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 31, 2017
Here are his full quotes as transcribed by SI’s Ben Golliver:
LeBron James' full comments after racist vandalism at LA home: Being Black in America, Emmett Till, his family, mood & focus entering Finals pic.twitter.com/tToLx0KNMi
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 31, 2017