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Independence, Ohio • LeBron James says he plans to stand during the national anthem, but he supports San Francisco quarterback Colin Kapernick's decision to kneel in protest.
James has always been outspoken on social issues. He said Monday he intends to stand while "The Star-Spangled Banner" is played before games because "that's who I am, that's what I believe." The NBA superstar, however, admires Kapernick's "peaceful" handling of the situation.
James spoke Monday as the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers got ready to open training.
He says he is troubled by repeated videos of police shootings. James is a father of three and spoke of his fears of his son calling to say he got pulled over by police, and "I'm not that confident that things are going to go well and my son is going to return home."