Indianapolis Pacers star Malcolm Brogdon believes LeBron James has broken the mold of what’s expected out of professional athletes through his vocal advocacy regarding social issues as well as his willingness to speak out against injustice, racial and otherwise.
Speaking this week with J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star, Brogdon laid out how James has had a significant impact on the way pro athletes feel free to speak freely on issues in the public sphere beyond the restrictive orbit of their particular sport.
“I don’t think the NBA back in the day was as progressive, as open to people speaking out, people being more than just an athlete,” Brogdon said. “Guys like LeBron have remolded what a professional athlete should look like. Having guys like that who are the best but also use their voice for the betterment of everyone changes the game.”
The way James has used his fame throughout his career to put a spotlight on societal issues has allowed players to be unafraid to do the same. This is evidenced in some manner by how Brogdon participated in peaceful protests in his hometown of Atlanta last week in response to how George Floyd, an African-American man, died on May 25 while in Minneapolis police custody.
