RAMON ALVARADO

Fox News host Laura Ingraham went on television and told one of the most polarizing athletes in the world, LeBron James to “shut up and dribble” after he made comments criticizing President Donald Trump. What if James was to “shut up and dribble” and do nothing outside of the world of basketball? Let’s start off by looking at who we’re discussing.

LeBron James was born in Akron, Ohio in 1984 to a single, struggling mother. He lived in Akron projects and would have to stay at friends’ and coaches’ houses for days while his mom was out working. Young James worked, too. He did his work on the basketball court, and he was special.

By the time James was a ninth grader, he was making noise around the country as the next great basketball phenom. By the time he was in the eleventh grade, there were talks of him being the first high school athlete to forego senior year and go straight to the NBA.

This gave James, a boy from the projects, the opportunity to leave high school and become a multi-millionaire at the age 17. James turned down the chance, though, because he didn’t want to miss his senior season, or prom, at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron. After he completed high school, James was the number one overall pick in the NBA draft at 18 years old.

Fast-forward to now. Fox News’ Ingraham called LeBron a “rich-spoiled athlete” as she defended President Trump. The same Trump who brags of getting “a small million-dollar loan” from his father. The same Trump who used his wealth as an excuse to assault women. The same Trump who used his celebrity status to make his way into the White House. Who’s the rich, spoiled one?

Now, what if LeBron James was to shut up and dribble?

Well, if James was to shut up and dribble, he wouldn’t have started the “I Promise” program in 2011 to give back to the Akron youth.

That program wouldn’t have expanded in 2015 to give all who completed it a free-ride scholarship to the University of Akron.

There wouldn’t be an “I Promise” institution in the works at the University of Akron.

There wouldn’t be an “I Promise” public school opening in the fall for 120 third-graders and 120 fourth-graders.

That public school wouldn’t be open for Akron students in grades one-eight by 2022.

James is not the rich, spoiled jock Ingraham described him as. James is a hard-working American who gives back to his people. He is just as American as the Connecticut-born Ingraham is. Why should he shut up and dribble?

The three-time NBA champion is as good a role model one could hope for. The man worked his way from the bottom: no million-dollar loans. James used hard work and a dedication to his craft to become successful. He’s now a husband to his high school love, and father to three children. James has yet to be in the news because of a sex scandal, gambling habit or anything of that matter. The man’s record is as clean as can get.

So, no, James shouldn’t listen to Ingraham and shut up and dribble. James shouldn’t stop giving back to his community. James shouldn’t stop being a role model. James shouldn’t stop having an opinion.

While James continues to break records on the court, he should continue to speak his mind off the court. If people don’t like it, so be it. James is a prominent figure whose voice can reach many. We can only hope he continues to use his status to make a difference.